The Ondo State Police Command has stepped up its efforts against kidnapping and other crimes by setting up a Tactical Team Base in Ilu-Abo in response to rising security concerns along the Ilu-Abo, Ayede, and Ogbese axis.
The move was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh.
On March 10, CP Adebowale Lawal, the Commissioner of Police, visited the community and reassured the locals that the Command is committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“The Command is fully aware of your grievances, and we are taking proactive steps to address the prevailing security challenges in the area,” Lawal said while addressing protesters.
He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that “the Police and other security agencies are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all residents.”
The statement claims that the newly deployed tactical team is made up of specially trained personnel from the Command’s elite units, including tactical formations and anti-kidnapping teams.
The team will operate 24 hours daily, conducting intensive patrols, surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated actions across Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese, and surrounding communities.
Additionally, CP Lawal instructed all Divisional Police Officers in the affected axis to collaborate with the tactical team, local hunters, vigilantes, and other community-based security partners.
“This coordinated approach will ensure effective intelligence sharing and prompt response to security concerns,” the statement noted.
To dismantle criminal networks, the Police Command has intensified joint security operations, stop-and-search exercises, forest combing, and intelligence-led raids targeting suspected kidnapping hideouts.
“These measures are designed to prevent criminals from using the terrain as safe havens,” the release added.
Locals are urged to offer reliable and useful information.
“All information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the Command reassured. The statement emphasised that kidnapping and violent crimes will not be tolerated anywhere in Ondo State and that decisive actions will continue to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Residents are also advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activities within their communities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines,” the statement concluded.
