The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in crime control with the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of two suspects in Akure through an intelligence-led and technology-driven operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the operation followed credible intelligence received on April 30, 2026, indicating that a silver Hyundai vehicle earlier reported stolen in Lagos State was being transported towards Abuja by suspected criminals.
According to the statement, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swiftly activated a coordinated response, deploying surveillance tools and real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms to track the movement of the vehicle along its suspected route.
“The intelligence-led approach enabled operatives to accurately identify, locate, and intercept the vehicle without delay,” the statement said.
During the operation, the principal suspect, ThankGod Unchena, 25, reportedly attempted to escape by jumping into the Ogbese River upon sighting police operatives. However, officers pursued him into the river and successfully apprehended him.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had picked up a passenger, Adewole Muyedeen, 53, and allegedly handed over control of the vehicle to him after noticing security presence along the road in an attempt to avoid detection. This development raised suspicion, leading to the arrest of the second suspect.
Both suspects are currently in police custody, while the recovered vehicle has been secured as exhibit. Police said preliminary findings suggest possible links to a wider criminal network, with investigations ongoing to identify other accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information to assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime.