The Ondo State Police Command has arrested at least six people in connection with an alleged conspiracy to bomb government facilities in Akure.
Mr. Adebowale Lawal, the state commissioner of police, said this while briefing journalists on Thursday, adding that 10 more suspected criminals were apprehended throughout the state, bringing the total number of arrests to 16.
According to him, six people were arrested in connection with the alleged bomb plan, while the remaining ten were apprehended for their involvement in cult-related activities.
“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, alongside several other incriminating items, on April 15, 2026,” Lawal said.
He explained that the arrest was based on credible intelligence about the actions of a suspected criminal ring operating across state lines.
“Acting on the intelligence, operatives were deployed to the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their plan. A search of the scene and a subsequent operation at their apartment led to the recovery of several items,” he added.
The recovered items 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.
The police chief named some of the suspects as Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43.
According to Lawal, preliminary investigations have shown that the individuals were reportedly involved in the assembly of improvised explosive devices intended for attacks on government facilities.
He further stated that the investigations revealed that the organization had recently rented an apartment in Akure’s Oke-Odu neighborhood to use as a base of operations.
“Further intelligence revealed that a document detailing potential targets was recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan. The timely intervention of the police averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property,” he said.
The arrests come amid growing insecurity in the state, with some communities taking to the streets to protest rising cases of kidnapping and killings in parts of the state.
