Ondo State, Nigeria – For months, a narrative of fear has attempted to overshadow the “Sunshine State.” Critics have been quick to point fingers, but a deep dive into the recent security timeline reveals a government that hasn’t just been watching—it has been den-hunting.
While the shadows of kidnapping and banditry have long sought to dim the “Sunshine State,” a silent, high-tech war is being won in the trenches. From the digital eyes of CCTV in Akure to daring Joint Security raids in the deepest forest dens, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration has moved past “thoughts and prayers” into a season of clinical, “Total War.”
In this Starnews NG Exclusive Special Report, we document the chronological timeline of a state under fire and the fierce counter-strike that has led to over 2,500 arrests, the dismantling of notorious syndicates, and a massive reclamation of peace.
Discover how the Aiyedatiwa leadership is finally turning the tide against terror—proving that in Ondo State, there is no longer a hiding place for the shadows.
To understand the victory, one must acknowledge the battles. Between 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, Ondo State faced a sophisticated wave of opportunistic crimes that the government has now met with superior force.
August 18, 2025: The Ikare-Akoko axis was shaken by the abduction of farmer Aremu Tijani, an incident that served as a catalyst for tactical reinforcement across the northern senatorial district.
August 25, 2025: In a heart-wrenching series of incidents across Eleyowo, Ilu-Abo, and Ayede communities, three children—Aslam Umar Lukman, Suleiman Umar Tanko, and Aliyu Umar Tanko—were snatched by a local syndicate.
January 26, 2026: A violent attack on Liberty Avenue, Ilu-Abo, resulted in the tragic death of John Ofuduwa and the abduction of Oladeinde Tomilola, a school proprietor, alongside a pregnant woman.
February 11, 2026: Insecurity reached a peak with the sacrilegious murder of Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo, within his palace walls—a crime that the Governor vowed would not go unpunished.
February 2026: In a cowardly night raid, Jamiu Olawale and his wife were kidnapped, while their neighbour, Patrick, was shot while attempting to intervene.
February 25, 2026: Six worshippers were abducted from a Celestial Church along the Uso/Owo Expressway, highlighting a desperate shift in kidnappers’ targets toward religious gatherings.
March 2026: The Secretary of the Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr Kayode Aladesuyi, was kidnapped along with another individual in the Kajola area.
March 2, 2026: The brutal murder of Ben Daniels on Agunla Farm Road sparked public outcry and temporary roadblocks by residents demanding justice.
March 28, 2026: Criminals invaded the Oke-Ijebu Health Centre, robbing staff and briefly abducting three workers before abandoning them in the Olokuta bush.
March 31, 2026: A similar raid occurred at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Akure, where three health workers were targeted, leading to an immediate change in security protocols for medical facilities.
The Counter-Strike: A Serial Record of Arrests and Breakthroughs
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s response has been characterised by “Action over Agitation.” The successes recorded by the Police and Amotekun have been clinical, as evidenced by this chronological timeline of breakthroughs:
August 30, 2025: Merely days after the abduction of the three children, the Police Command announced the arrest of the kingpin, Richard Philip, and the safe recovery of all victims.
January 2026 Summary: By the end of the first month of 2026, the NSCDC and Police confirmed the arrest of suspects linked to over 2,550 criminal cases recorded in the previous year, clearing a massive backlog of investigations.
Early 2026: A specialised unit arrested five kidnappers in the Amurin Forest (Owo–Ifon axis) in connection with the cold-blooded murder of a police officer, Supol James Ogunleye.
February 27, 2026: In a major sweep of the state capital, Police arrested 10 suspects in Akure specifically linked to a kidnapping syndicate that had been terrorising residential estates.
March 6, 2026: In a breakthrough for the Ilu-Abo attack, police arrested Abdullahi Ismaila, Babanyara Japi, Babuga Abubakar, and Adama Usman, recovering ₦1.4 million in ransom cash.
March 12, 2026: The Amotekun Corps, led by Commander Adetunji Adeleye, paraded 70 suspects ranging from kidnappers to illegal firearm dealers and armed robbers.
March 22, 2026: In a feat of modern policing, the Command used CCTV footage to track and arrest Mohammed Koro, Muhammad Usman, and Musa Alhaji, who had kidnapped a woman in a viral video. Three other victims were rescued during the raid.
March 25, 2026: Two suspects were apprehended in Ogbagi-Akoko for conspiracy and the attempted stealing of a child, proving that no crime is too small for the state’s attention.
March 26, 2026: A joint patrol along Ondo Road in Akure, intercepted a kidnapping in progress, arresting Akinyemi Olamilekan, Mutaka Ali, and Atiku Abubakar, and successfully rescuing five passengers.
March 31, 2026: Amotekun concluded the quarter by parading 35 suspects and rescuing two victims of human trafficking and sexual assault.
Taking the Battle to the Den: Progress and Proactiveness
The Aiyedatiwa administration has shifted from defensive policing to offensive warfare. Recently, Joint Security Operations involving the Army, Police, and Amotekun took the battle directly to the “dens” of kidnappers in the Amurin Forest and the Ogbese/Akure North bushes. These “search and destroy” missions have flushed out bandits who previously believed the thick forests were safe havens.
Policy and Prevention Successes:
Massive Recruitment: In March 2026, Governor Aiyedatiwa inducted 500 additional Amotekun officers, specifically trained for rugged forest warfare and intelligence gathering.
Digital Surveillance: The integration of CCTV in urban centres like Akure is now a reality. The March 22 arrests served as a stern warning that “Big Brother” is watching the criminals.
The “Night Ban” Victory: Strict enforcement of the 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM ban on commercial motorcycles has led to a documented 40% drop in evening abductions and house-to-house robberies.
Community Integration: Over 14,000 motorised riders have been registered in a new centralised database, making it impossible for “strange elements” to use bikes for crime without detection.
The Verdict: A State Reclaiming Its Peace
While critics focus on the headlines of the past, the Aiyedatiwa leadership is building the security of the future. The data is indisputable: with over 2,500 arrests in a year and a Q1 2026 rescue rate that is higher than ever before, Ondo State is proving that it is no longer a playground for criminals.
The message from the Government House is clear: The sunshine is returning, and there is no hiding place for the shadows, Starnews NG reports.
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