The Ondo State Police Command successfully rescued five commuters and apprehended three suspects following an armed robbery on the Ondo-Akure road in the early hours of Thursday.
The operation, led by the command’s operatives in collaboration with the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, followed a distress call regarding an attack between the Ita-Oba and Oboto axes.
The incident occurred at approximately 5:20 AM when a commercial vehicle traveling from Ondo to Akure was intercepted by a gang of armed men.
The victims—identified as Sunday Omodele, 63; Osedimilehin Peter, 29; Osedimilehin Ifeoluwa, 18; Osedimilehin Florence, 56; and Ademola Regina—were forcibly marched into the nearby bush, where the attackers dispossessed them of their personal belongings.
Prompt intervention by a joint security team prevented further harm, as officers tracked the criminals into the forest. All five victims were rescued unharmed during the targeted operation. The swift tactical response also resulted in the arrest of three male suspects: Akinyemi Olamilekan, Mutaka Ali, and Atiku Abubakar.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the apprehended suspects are currently in custody and have provided “useful statements” to investigators. The Command confirmed that the trio will be formally charged in court as soon as the preliminary investigations are concluded.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the professionalism of the officers involved, emphasizing that the command remains dedicated to securing major highways and commercial routes.
He reassured the public that strategic patrols and intelligence-led operations are being intensified across the state to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of residents and commuters.
