Four suspects linked to an alleged burglary syndicate in Idanre have been arrested after detectives recovered illegal firearms during an investigation into a ₦1.25 million cocoa theft

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers allegedly linked to a burglary syndicate operating in Idanre and neighbouring communities, following an investigation into the theft of a bag of cocoa valued at ₦1.25 million.

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The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday, saying the operation also led to the recovery of two illegal firearms, a development he described as a significant step in ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime across the state.

The suspects were identified as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun and Nura Umar, while police said other members of the alleged gang remain at large.

According to Jimoh, the investigation began after a complaint was lodged on June 15, 2026, at the Alade/Atosin Police Station by a resident identified as Abayomi of Alade in Idanre Local Government Area.

The complainant reported that unknown persons had broken into his cocoa store during the night and stolen a bag of cocoa worth ₦1.25 million.

“Following painstaking intelligence gathering and investigation by detectives, the perpetrators were identified as Alex Omotayo, Adeleye Bolu, Osho Ibukun, Nura Umar and other accomplices who are currently at large,” the statement said.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested the four named suspects and commenced further investigation into the activities of the criminal gang.”

Police said the investigation uncovered additional allegations against the principal suspect, Alex Omotayo, who was accused of invading the premises of Idanre High School on March 13, 2026, while armed with two firearms.

According to the police, Omotayo allegedly threatened to kill a security guard whom he accused of shooting at him the previous night.

“This revelation further established the suspect’s violent criminal disposition and necessitated a comprehensive search of his residence,” Jimoh stated.

The police spokesperson said detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant and recovered a cut-to-size single-barrel firearm and a locally made revolver allegedly concealed in the suspect’s residence.

The recovered weapons have been taken into police custody as exhibits and will form part of the ongoing investigation, he added.

Jimoh said the case file and the four suspects had been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit in Akure for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The command has since transferred the case file along with the four suspects to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Akure for further investigation, with a view to apprehending the remaining fleeing members of the gang and ensuring the diligent prosecution of all those found culpable,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, urged residents, particularly farmers, traders and warehouse owners, to strengthen security around their homes, farms and storage facilities, especially at night.

Ohagwu said effective policing requires collaboration between security agencies and the public, stressing that the command would continue intelligence-led operations to combat criminal activities across the state.

He also warned individuals involved in crime to abandon such activities, saying the police remained committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting offenders in accordance with the law.

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The arrests come amid sustained efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to curb armed robbery, cult-related violence and other organised crimes through intelligence-driven operations across the state.