The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the abduction of worshippers at a church in Uso, arresting 11 suspects in a swift and coordinated operation that security sources described as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the state.
The arrests followed the invasion of a Celestial Church along the Uso/Owo Expressway in the early hours of February 25, 2026, when armed men stormed the premises at about 12:50 a.m. and abducted six worshippers.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, said the Command immediately launched a manhunt upon receiving the distress report, deploying tactical teams and intelligence assets to track down the perpetrators.
According to him, the breakthrough came through sustained intelligence-led operations and a joint security effort involving the police, the Nigerian Army and local vigilante groups.
Within hours of intensifying the operation, one of the victims was rescued, while 11 suspects were apprehended in connection with the attack.
The police commissioner said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and have already provided useful information that is aiding ongoing efforts to rescue the remaining victims and dismantle the criminal network behind the incident.
He described the development as a decisive operational success, assuring residents that the Command would not relent until all those involved in the crime are brought to justice.
Lawal urged religious leaders across the state to reassess late-night worship activities in light of prevailing security realities and to adopt proactive safety measures to protect congregants.
He also appealed to members of the public to promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police formation.
Beyond the Uso incident, the Command disclosed that it arrested 10 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate in Akure during a joint operation between the Anti-Kidnapping Section and visiting Police Mobile Force personnel deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The operation led to the recovery of ransom money — including some burnt currency notes — and an operational motorcycle believed to have been used by the suspects.
In a separate operation on February 11, two additional suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities, with motorcycles and other tools recovered.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained collaboration with the Ondo State Government under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to strengthen security across the state.
He maintained that the police would consolidate ongoing gains and intensify surveillance, patrols and community engagement to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven in Ondo State.
