The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 16 individuals, including six suspected of plotting to bomb government facilities in Akure.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal announced the arrests during a press briefing on Thursday.
He stated that while six suspects are linked to the planned bombings, the remaining 10 were apprehended for involvement in cult-related activities.
Lawal revealed that the command achieved a major operational breakthrough on April 15, 2026, after receiving credible intelligence regarding a criminal syndicate operating across state lines.
Acting on this information, operatives intercepted the suspects at a rented apartment in the Oke-Odu area of Akure before they could execute their plan.
“The timely intervention of the police averted what could have resulted in significant loss of lives and destruction of property,” Lawal said.
During the operation, police recovered materials suspected to be components for fabricating improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Other items seized include 17 mobile phones, two HP laptops, N187,000 in cash, two motorcycles, an external hard drive, a knife, and a document detailing potential targets.
Additional items recovered included 217 bottles, a bag of sugar, and suspected charms.
Preliminary investigations suggest the group intended to target government infrastructure.
Lawal identified several of the suspects as Adekunle Prosper (56), Ojo Olumide (39), Tope Kolawole (40), Ahmed Salihu (40), Bolaji Adebowale (46), and Gbadebo Abidemi (43).
