The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned bomb attack in Akure, the state capital, arresting 16 suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on recent security breakthroughs recorded by the command.
According to him, six of the suspects were allegedly involved in a plot to bomb government facilities, while the remaining 10 were apprehended for their involvement in cult-related activities.
Lawal described the operation as a major success, noting that it prevented what could have been a devastating attack.
“The command recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful foiling of a planned bomb attack in Akure. The operation led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of materials suspected to be components for the fabrication of improvised explosive devices,” he said.
He explained that the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a criminal syndicate believed to be operating across state lines. Acting swiftly, police operatives tracked the suspects to a location in Akure, where they were apprehended before executing their plan.
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Further searches conducted at their apartment in the Oke-Odu area led to the recovery of several incriminating items.
These included 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, suspected charms, 17 mobile phones, N187,000 in cash, two HP laptops, eight slings, a knife, an external hard drive, identity cards including a National Identity Number card and two motorcycles.
Some of the suspects were identified as Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects were involved in assembling improvised explosive devices intended for attacks on government infrastructure.
Lawal added that investigators also recovered a document detailing potential targets, suggesting a well-coordinated and premeditated plan.
“The timely intervention of the police averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property,” he stated.
The Commissioner assured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining security across the state and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
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