By Paul Joseph
The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled an armed motorcycle robbery syndicate operating in parts of Akure and surrounding communities, arresting four suspects and recovering four stolen motorcycles.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday, the breakthrough followed a coordinated operation by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section acting on credible intelligence about a group involved in armed hijacking of motorcycles across the state capital.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, said the operation began on March 2, 2026, after security operatives received information on the activities of the criminal syndicate targeting motorcycle riders.
Police investigations and tracking analysis led operatives to the Ishinigbo area of Akure in Ondo State, where some members of the gang were arrested. Further intelligence-driven operations extended beyond the state, resulting in additional arrests in Ilesa, Osun State.
The suspects were identified as Aliu Damilola, 39; Kolawole Gbenga, 41; Adedokun Azeez Olalekan, 26; and Olamiposi Ajifowogbade, 36.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to a well-organised robbery syndicate that specialised in hijacking motorcycles from unsuspecting riders within Akure metropolis. Police said the gang allegedly used firearms to intimidate victims before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to robbing one Adeleke Taye at gunpoint around the Federal University of Technology Akure axis, where they forcefully hijacked his TVS motorcycle.
A search conducted following their arrest led to the recovery of four motorcycles suspected to have been stolen from different victims. The police said the motorcycles are currently in custody pending identification and return to their rightful owners.
The command added that the suspects have made useful statements to assist ongoing investigations, while efforts are underway to arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large and recover more stolen property linked to the group.
Lawal reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
He also commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities in Ondo State.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that public cooperation remains vital in maintaining peace and security across the state.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on March 11, 2026.
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