By our Reporter
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made firearm, a live cartridge and other dangerous weapons during a routine surveillance operation in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.
The Command described the arrest as another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat crime and criminality across Ondo State.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Temitope Ikumuniwon from Odigbo, was apprehended on June 17, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m. by surveillance operatives attached to the Igbotako Police Division.
The police said the operatives were conducting routine crime prevention patrols around Omotosho Motor Park, located off the Lagos-Ore Expressway, when they observed the suspect acting suspiciously while attempting to board a commercial vehicle heading to Iju-Oke.
His suspicious movement prompted the officers to conduct a stop-and-search operation, during which a thorough search of his cross-body bag led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one live cartridge and one battle axe.
The suspect was immediately arrested, while the recovered exhibits were taken into police custody as evidence.
The Command said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, the intended use of the recovered weapons and the suspect’s possible involvement in armed robbery and other criminal activities within and outside the state.
Police added that efforts have also been intensified to identify and apprehend any accomplices connected to the suspect, while the case has been earmarked for transfer to the appropriate investigative unit for comprehensive investigation. The suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives, as well as the support provided by members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria during the operation.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support, leadership and strategic guidance, noting that the Inspector-General’s wealth of experience, particularly from his previous service in Ondo State, has continued to inspire officers and men of the Command to remain professional and committed to duty.
He urged members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing timely, credible and actionable information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
