How Police foiled bomb attack in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned bomb attack in Akure, arresting six suspects and recovering materials believed to be components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, who disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing, however, described the operation as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb emerging security threats across the state.

According to him, the suspects were arrested on April 15, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of a criminal syndicate operating within and beyond Ondo State.

Lawal said, “The Command has 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 (IEDs), alongside several other incriminating exhibits on 15th April, 2026.

“This achievement followed credible and actionable intelligence received by the Command regarding the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate operating along state lines.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives were strategically deployed to the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their planned attack. A thorough search of the scene and a subsequent operation at the suspects’ apartment resulted in the recovery of a cache of items, including 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, criminal charms, 17 mobile phones, the sum of ₦187,000, two HP laptops, eight slings, one knife, an external hard drive, two identity cards, one National Identity Number (NIN) card, two motorcycles, among other items.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that some of these materials were intended for the construction of explosive devices, while others may have been used to facilitate coordinated criminal activities. The suspects have been identified as Adekunle Prosper (male, 56), Ojo Olumide (male, 39), Tope Kolawole (male, 40), Ahmed Salihu (male, 40), Bolaji Adebowale (male, 46), and Gbadebo Abidemi (female, 43).

“Early findings from the investigation reveal that the group actively engaged in assembling IEDs allegedly intended for deployment on government infrastructures, with indications that their operations may extend beyond the state capital to other parts of country.

“Further intelligence uncovered that the suspects had recently rented an apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure, which they used as a base for their activities. Notably, a document mapping out potential target locations was also recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan. The timely intervention of the police undoubtedly averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and widespread destruction of property.

“The Ondo State Police Command strongly condemns this act and advises house owners and property managers to carry out thorough background checks on prospective tenants before renting out their apartments, in order to prevent such premises from being used as criminal hideouts or operational bases.

“The Command, also through its Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS), Akure, has recorded another operational success in its sustained efforts to combat cultism and associated violent crimes across the state.

“In the early hours of Wednesday, 15th April 2026, operatives of the Squad, acting on credible and actionable intelligence regarding the resurgence of cult-related activities in Ondo Town, carried out a well-coordinated intelligence-driven operation across identified flashpoints within the town. The operation resulted in the arrest of Ten (10) suspected cultists.
Prominent among those apprehended is one Oluwatosin Temitope ‘M’, popularly known as “T-Money”, a notorious cult figure who has been on the Command’s wanted list in connection with a series of violent cult-related incidents within Ondo Town and its environs.

“Early findings link him to the shooting of one ‘Primo’ at Oka Junction in March 2026, as well as a shooting incident at Template Bar, Ondo, on 13th July 2025. A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of the following items believed to be linked to cult activities: one Firearm, two cutlasses, one battle axe, one Cult-related clothing and insignia, assorted criminal charms.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects are members of different notorious cult groups, including Aiye, Eiye, and Alora confraternities, which have been linked with various acts of violence, intimidation, and unlawful activities within the state.

“We commended the operatives involved in both operations for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response, emphasising that such proactive policing remains central to the Command’s strategy in combating emerging security threats.

“We reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, as well as maintaining peace and public order across Ondo State.

“The suspects are all currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network, including any collaborators or sponsors. They will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with the law.

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to assure residents of Akure and the entire Ondo State of its continued vigilance and readiness to respond decisively to any threat to public safety. Members of the public are urged to remain calm but vigilant and to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information.”