Residents of Akure, the Ondo State capital, have narrowly avoided what could have been a major bomb attack, following a swift police operation that led to the arrest of six suspects accused of plotting to target key government facilities.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Lawal, said the operation was carried out on April 15, 2026, based on credible intelligence about a criminal network operating across multiple states.
According to him, officers acted promptly by moving in on the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before executing their plan.
A search of their hideout in the Oke-Odu area of Akure uncovered items believed to be components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), along with other incriminating materials. Recovered exhibits include 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, 17 mobile phones, two laptops, N187,000 in cash, motorcycles, and suspected criminal charms.
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 findings indicate that the group was in the process of assembling explosive devices intended for use at strategic locations. Police also recovered a document outlining potential targets, suggesting a well-coordinated and premeditated operation.
Lawal urged landlords and property managers to be more vigilant by conducting proper background checks on tenants, warning that residential properties are increasingly being exploited for criminal activities.
In a separate development, the Command also announced the arrest of 10 suspected cult members during a raid in Ondo Town. Among them is a suspected kingpin, Oluwatosin Temitope, who had previously been declared wanted over a series of violent incidents.
Police linked him to the shooting of a victim known as “Primo” in March 2026, as well as another attack at a popular bar in 2025.
Items recovered from the suspects include a firearm, cutlasses, a battle axe, cult insignia, and charms allegedly used in their operations. The group is believed to be affiliated with notorious confraternities such as Aiye, Eiye, and Alora.
The Commissioner of Police commended his officers for their efforts, stressing that intelligence-led policing remains key to addressing evolving security threats. He assured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
All suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded. He also called on the public to remain alert and support law enforcement agencies with timely and useful information.