Harbour criminals, face full weight of law — Ondo CP warns residents

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has warned residents and community leaders against harboring criminals, saying anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.

Lawal issued the warning on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure, reiterating the command’s commitment to arrest and prosecute anyone aiding criminals in the state.

While noting that 2025 was relatively peaceful, he assured that 2026 would see even stronger security measures with collaboration from sister security agencies.

“It behooves people living in border communities to report any suspicious individuals to avoid unforeseen circumstances. Be on alert and keep us informed, especially at the borders,” he said.

Lawal explained that all border towns are well fortified, with support from the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). He also disclosed that 36 cadet officers recently passed out and additional Armoured Personnel Carriers have been deployed to Ondo North Senatorial District to strengthen crime control.

Addressing the attack on Ipele Community on New Year’s Eve, where a Divisional Police Station was burnt, Lawal disclosed that no arrests have been made yet, but the command is using technical and intelligence-led operations to apprehend the perpetrators. He praised the rapid response of combined security teams, including police, military, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and forest guards, which prevented loss of life.

“No one will come to Ondo State to commit a crime and go scot-free. We’ll always get them arrested,” he stated.

Lawal also expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for their support in strengthening the command’s operational capacity and partnerships with local stakeholders.