The Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State has intensified its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes with the establishment of a Tactical Team Base in Ilu-Abo. The move follows growing security concerns along the Ilu-Abo, Ayede, and Ogbese axis.
The development was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. According to the statement, the initiative is part of measures to curb rising incidents of kidnapping and restore security in the affected communities.
During a visit to Ilu-Abo on March 10, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, assured residents that the command is committed to protecting lives and property. Addressing protesters in the community, he acknowledged their concerns and pledged proactive action to address the security challenges.
Lawal urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that the police and other security agencies are working to restore normalcy. He added that the newly deployed tactical team comprises specially trained operatives drawn from elite units, including anti-kidnapping squads and other tactical formations.
The operatives are expected to run 24-hour patrols, surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security actions across Ilu-Abo, Ayede, Ogbese, and neighbouring communities.
The commissioner also directed Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas to work closely with the tactical team, local vigilantes, hunters, and other community security groups to improve intelligence sharing and rapid response to threats.
The police further revealed that joint security operations, stop-and-search exercises, forest combing, and intelligence-led raids targeting suspected kidnappers’ hideouts have been intensified to dismantle criminal networks in the area.
Residents were encouraged to provide credible information to security agencies, with the command assuring that all tips would be treated confidentially as efforts continue to eliminate kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
