Date: July 20, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
AKURE, Nigeria — The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate allegedly linked to a string of violent robberies across Ondo and Lagos states. Police also announced the arrest of seven additional suspects in connection with a separate violent land dispute that erupted in Ore, recovering firearms and other dangerous weapons during the operations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Akure on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said the robbery suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation conducted by officers of the command. The suspects were identified as Promise Daniel (34), Ifeanyi Umahi (29), and Adaramoye Abayomi (37).
According to the police commissioner, the arrests stemmed from investigations into an armed robbery case reported on June 14, 2026, at Ita-Ogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, officers intercepted the suspects on July 18 while they were travelling in an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz ML 350 SUV.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing 18 rounds of live ammunition, an English-made Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds, a UTC axe, and an iron cutter. Police believe the recovered items were used in criminal operations carried out by the syndicate.
Commissioner Ohagwu said preliminary investigations indicate that the three suspects belong to a notorious armed robbery gang that had been on the command's watchlist for alleged involvement in a series of violent robberies across Ondo State. He added that the suspects have made confessional statements that are assisting investigators in tracking down other members of the criminal network.
In a separate operation, the police command arrested seven suspects following a violent confrontation arising from a land dispute at Adegbiji, near Kajola in Ore. The incident reportedly occurred on July 18 and involved two parties engaged in an ongoing ownership dispute before a High Court in Ore.
Police said the disagreement escalated after supporters from both sides, including commercial motorcycle riders and three individuals alleged to be soldiers who remain at large, converged on the disputed farmland. The confrontation reportedly resulted in injuries to the principal parties before officers intervened to restore order.
During a search of the scene, officers recovered two locally made firearms, two cutlasses, a bag containing suspected charms, a container labelled "Acid" containing liquid, and other dangerous items believed to have been brought to the confrontation. The recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody for forensic examination and use as evidence.
The Commissioner of Police said the land dispute case has been transferred to the Command Surveillance Squad in Akure for further investigation, while efforts are continuing to apprehend other suspects who fled the scene. He warned individuals involved in civil disputes, particularly matters already before the courts, against taking the law into their own hands.
Ohagwu assured residents that thorough investigations would be conducted into both cases and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law. He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime.
The latest arrests form part of the Ondo State Police Command's ongoing efforts to combat violent crime, dismantle organized criminal groups, and improve public safety across the state. Authorities say investigations into both the robbery syndicate and the land dispute remain ongoing, with additional arrests expected as detectives continue to follow new leads.