Swift Response, Courage, and Coordination Earn Command Commendation from CP Lawal
The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another major success in its determined campaign against crime, following the recovery of two stolen vehicles in separate operations carried out in Akure and Owo.
The recoveries, which came through prompt intelligence and decisive response, highlight the renewed energy and operational efficiency sweeping through the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the first breakthrough occurred on October 29, 2025, when a concerned citizen, identified as Chief Kayode, alerted the police about a suspiciously abandoned car in Akure.
The vehicle, a Toyota Camry (popularly known as Big Daddy), ash in colour and bearing registration number KJA 755 SG, had been parked for days near the Police Secondary School, Alagbaka, along Ado Road, raising concerns among residents.
Responding swiftly, operatives from the ‘A’ Division, Akure, mobilized to the scene, where they recovered the vehicle and moved it to the station for further investigation. Inside the car, detectives found personal items including a mobile phone, a GTBank ATM card, and documents bearing the name Balogun Busayo.
The discovery triggered a discreet investigation aimed at tracing the vehicle’s rightful owner and uncovering the circumstances behind its mysterious abandonment. Police sources hinted that the car might have been stolen and later abandoned by thieves sensing possible arrest.
Barely four days later, the Command recorded yet another success — this time in Owo. On November 2, 2025, at about 4:30 a.m., the police received a distress call from the Tisco Building area of Owo reporting the theft of a black Lexus RX 300 SUV with registration number MMA 754 AC.
Acting on the tip-off, officers attached to the ‘B’ Division, Owo, swung into action. In a well-coordinated operation, they immediately launched a manhunt for the suspected criminals believed to have made away with the vehicle during the night.
The police team, demonstrating exceptional tactical coordination, trailed the suspects along the Owo–Akure Road. The chase, however, took a dramatic turn when the fleeing criminals, realizing they were being closed in on, abandoned the vehicle near Ogbese and fled into the bush under the cover of darkness.
The recovered Lexus SUV was towed to the station, while detectives have intensified efforts to track and apprehend the culprits believed to be part of a wider car theft syndicate operating in the state.
Speaking on the twin recoveries, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, commended the professionalism, courage, and promptness displayed by the officers in both operations.
He described their actions as a reflection of the renewed dedication inspired by IGP Egbetokun’s reform agenda.
The CP noted that the swift response by the operatives underscores the impact of the Inspector General’s emphasis on capacity building, improved welfare, and modern policing strategies that prioritize rapid response and community collaboration.
CP Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s determination to ensure the safety of lives and property across Ondo State, urging residents to continue cooperating with the police through timely reporting of suspicious movements and criminal activities.
He further appealed to individuals who may have lost their vehicles recently to visit any nearby police station with valid proof of ownership for verification and possible recovery, assuring that the Command remains transparent and diligent in handling such matters.
The Ondo Police Command, while thanking members of the public for their support, reiterated its commitment to the IGP’s vision of a safer, people-focused policing system built on trust, professionalism, and quick response.
For inquiries, the Command encouraged the public to reach out via 0906 058 8958 or through its verified social media handles — X (@OndoPoliceNg), Instagram (@OndoPoliceCommand), and Facebook (Ondo Police Command) — or email: ondopolice@gmail.com.
