Amotekun Nabs 28 Suspects, Rescues Kidnap Victim, Recovers Over 75% of Ransom in Ondo Crackdown
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 28 suspects for various criminal offences across the state, including 13 linked to kidnapping and 15 connected to other crimes.
Commander of the Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on recent operations, describing the arrests as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and eliminate criminal hideouts across Ondo State.
Adeleye revealed that among those arrested was a suspected kidnapper who had been on the corps’ watchlist since 2024 over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities across the Northern Senatorial District.
According to him, the suspect was apprehended during coordinated operations carried out over the last four days.
He recounted one of the major rescue operations carried out by the corps, explaining that a victim travelling towards Oba-Akoko was abducted by kidnappers whose family later paid ransom without informing security agencies.
The family reportedly kept the incident away from authorities after being threatened by the kidnappers. However, despite receiving the ransom payment, the abductors failed to release the victim, forcing the family to approach Amotekun for intervention.
Adeleye said the corps immediately launched a rescue operation, which led to the victim’s release and the arrest of four suspects — a father and his three sons — who allegedly used cattle business activities as a cover for their operations.
According to the commander, the victim sustained severe injuries after being attacked with knives and cutlasses and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He added that operatives recovered more than 75 per cent of the ransom paid and also recovered substances, drinks, cigarettes and materials allegedly used to blindfold victims.
Among those arrested over the kidnapping case were Usman (33), Wahab (27), Yakubu (18) and their father, Iliasu (56), arrested in Obaji, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Other suspects arrested include Musa and Haruna over alleged kidnapping-related offences in Owo.
On allegations of armed banditry, the corps arrested Muhammad Ipaso, Rabiu Abubarka Shaibu, alongside Khalid and Adam.
For offences bordering on illegal possession of firearms, robbery and cultism, operatives arrested Oluwatobi Ayodele (26), another Oluwatobi (24), and Micheal (34) in Okitipupa.
The corps also announced the arrest of Olaniyi over allegations of rape and stealing.
In Akure South axis, Idowu and Taiwo were arrested over alleged conspiracy, while Olatunde (39), Abdul (27) and Amudu David were apprehended in connection with stealing of phones, conspiracy and fraud.
Similarly, Akpagba Felix (30), Ekunuma Abigail (25), Mark (24), Kelvin (24), Koma (27), and Turk (24) were arrested in Akure over alleged conspiracy and breach of peace.
Adeleye maintained that there is no longer any hiding place for criminals within forests or urban areas of Ondo State.
He noted that Amotekun operatives have been strategically deployed across the state to ensure residents and commuters move freely and safely.
The commander also acknowledged the support and collaboration of other security agencies including the Police, Army and Department of State Services (DSS) in maintaining peace and security across the state.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that crime prevention remains more effective than crime response.
Adeleye further disclosed that all money recovered during the rescue operation had been returned to the victim’s family for safekeeping.
He reassured residents that Ondo State remains peaceful and safe despite security challenges.
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