By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Ondo State Police Command has recovered a suspected stolen vehicle and arrested 2 suspects in Akure through an intelligence-led and technology-driven operation.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received on April 30, 2026, indicating that a silver Hyundai vehicle, earlier reported stolen in Lagos State, was being transported towards Abuja by suspected criminals.
The Command said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit promptly activated a coordinated response, deploying surveillance and real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms to track the movement of the vehicle along its route.
The statement noted that the vehicle was successfully intercepted in Akure, the Ondo State capital, leading to the arrest of the principal suspect, ThankGod Unchena, 25.
It added that the suspect attempted to evade arrest by jumping into the Ogbese River but was pursued and apprehended by operatives.
Further investigations revealed that the suspect had picked up one Adewole Muyedeen, 53, as a passenger during the journey and allegedly handed over control of the vehicle to him upon noticing security presence, a move that raised suspicion and led to his arrest.
Both suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as an exhibit.
The Command stated that preliminary findings suggest possible links to a wider criminal network, adding that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion.
It reiterated its commitment to leveraging intelligence and technology in crime prevention and detection, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to safeguard lives and property across the state.