The Ondo State Police Command has foiled a planned bomb attack in Akure, the state capital, arresting six suspects and recovering materials suspected to be used for improvised explosive devices.

The state Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Akure.

Lawal described the development as a significant success in the command’s operations.

“We recorded a major operational breakthrough with the successful foiling of a planned bomb attack in Akure,” he said.

He explained that the arrests followed credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate.

“This achievement followed credible and actionable intelligence received by the Command regarding the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate operating along state lines,” he added.

The suspects were identified as Adekunle Prosper, 56; Ojo Olumide, 39; Tope Kolawole, 40; Ahmed Salihu, 40; Bolaji Adebowale, 46; and Gbadebo Abidemi, 43.

Lawal said the suspects were apprehended before executing the attack.

“Operatives were strategically deployed to the identified location, where the suspects were apprehended before they could execute their planned attack,” he said.

Items recovered include bottles, a bag of sugar, mobile phones, cash, laptops, weapons, identity cards and motorcycles.

“Preliminary assessments indicate that some of these materials were intended for the construction of explosive devices,” he added.

The police boss revealed that the suspects allegedly used a rented apartment in the Oke-Odu area as their base.

“Notably, a document mapping out potential target locations was also recovered, suggesting a premeditated and coordinated plan,” he said.

He added that the timely intervention prevented potential loss of lives and property.

However, in a related development, the command arrested 10 suspected cultists during operations in Ondo Town.

According to Lawal, the arrests were carried out by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad following intelligence on renewed cult activities.

“The operation resulted in the arrest of ten suspected cultists,” he said.

Among those arrested was a suspected kingpin, Oluwatosin Temitope, also known as “T-Money”.

“Early findings link him to the shooting of one ‘Primo’ at Oka Junction in March 2026,” Lawal added.

Recovered items included a firearm, cutlasses, a battle axe, cult insignia and charms.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He said the suspects remain in custody and would be charged in court after investigations.

Lawal also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely information, while advising landlords to conduct proper background checks on tenants.