By Asaye Bankole
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested three suspected kidnappers allegedly responsible for the abduction of a poultry farmer and the killing of a woman in the state.
The suspects were among 15 individuals paraded by the Corps during a special parade at its state headquarters on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as part of efforts to showcase its security achievements between August and October 2026.
The State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the three principal suspects were apprehended following sustained intelligence-driven operations.
He said the rescued victim had identified the suspects, while they had also allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Adeleye explained that the arrests demonstrated the determination of the Ondo State Government and security agencies to prevent criminal elements from using the state as a safe haven.
He disclosed that the Corps also rescued a kidnap victim without allowing the victim to pay ransom, adding that the rescued individual was present during the parade for members of the press to interact with.
According to the commander, 15 suspects were presented during the parade, comprising individuals arrested for kidnapping-related offences, violations of the state’s anti-grazing law and other breaches of law and order.
He identified some of the suspects as Ali Paty, Yusuf Paty, Sadiq, 27, and Mansur, 22, who were allegedly connected to kidnapping incidents in the state.
He said the first three suspects were directly linked to the Ibeju- Leki kidnapping incident, which occurred approximately two months ago, while another suspect, Mohammed, 22, was arrested in connection with a separate kidnapping case in Aladodo.
On violations of the state’s anti-grazing law, Adeleye disclosed that Usman and Suleiman were arrested in Ile-Oluji for allegedly engaging in activities prohibited under the law.
The commander also revealed that the Corps had arrested individuals suspected of burglary, stealing and vandalism of public property.
He listed Peter, 26, Lawal, 26, and Gabriel among those arrested over alleged stealing, while a 40-year-old suspect, identified as Oni, was accused of specialising in the theft of generators, television sets and mobile phones.
Adeleye said the Corps had recovered the stolen items from the suspects.
He further disclosed that four individuals, identified as Dada, 26, Seyi, 24, Azam, 22, and Sunday, 19, were arrested in connection with the looting of government schools in Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo.
According to him, the suspects were allegedly caught removing roofing materials from the schools after computers and other items had been stolen from the facilities.
Amotekun Arrests 301 Suspects in Three Months
Giving a breakdown of the Corps’ operational achievements between August and October 2026, Adeleye disclosed that a total of 301 suspects were arrested across Ondo State.
He said 27 cases had resulted in convictions, with the offenders either serving various prison sentences or fulfilling court-imposed conditions where options of fines were available.
The commander added that the Corps also employed Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms to settle 102 minor cases, bringing the parties involved to peaceful resolutions.
He attributed the achievements to the cooperation and contributions of Amotekun ambassadors across the state’s 18 local government areas, intelligence operatives working in plain clothes, local hunters, community vigilantes and officers and men of the Corps.
Amotekun Launches Operation Laafia Dandan
Adeleye also announced the commencement of a new security initiative, Operation Laafia Dandan, aimed at strengthening the fight against criminal activities and improving public safety across Ondo State.
He said the special parade was also an opportunity to officially launch the operation on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who had expressed his desire to attend the event physically.
The commander conveyed the governor’s goodwill message, noting that the state government remained committed to supporting security operations and protecting lives and property.
He explained that the new initiative would be supported by improved operational strategies, intelligence gathering, surveillance and personnel development.
1,000 Personnel to Be Deployed for Ember Months
As the Christmas and New Year festivities approach, the Amotekun commander announced plans to deploy approximately 1,000 personnel as part of an intensified security operation across the state.
He explained that the Corps was transitioning from its previous security operation to a comprehensive ember-month patrol strategy designed to address anticipated increases in human and vehicular movement during the festive period.
According to him, the operation will involve intelligence-led surveillance across all 18 local government areas, with particular attention to major highways, metropolitan areas and other identified security flashpoints.
He added that Amotekun Rangers would intensify patrols within forest reserves to prevent kidnappers and other criminal elements from using the forests as hideouts.
Adeleye further disclosed that security monitoring would be strengthened around identified black spots through electronic surveillance and other security measures.
He assured residents and visitors that the Corps would sustain round-the-clock patrols on major roads, within forest reserves and across urban centres to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
The commander stressed that the security arrangements would cover not only residents but also travellers and other individuals commuting into and out of the state during the festive season.
Amotekun Intensifies Training and Retraining of Personnel
The commander also disclosed that the Corps had commenced an extensive training and retraining programme for its personnel across the 18 local government areas.
He explained that the programme was designed to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the capacity of officers to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
According to him, the training covers investigative procedures, criminal records management, arrest and prosecution processes, as well as the technical capacity of mechanics and drivers attached to the Corps.
He noted that officers responsible for investigations and the preparation of criminal records were receiving additional training to ensure that cases were properly handled and successfully prosecuted.
Adeleye further assured that suspects whose investigations had been concluded would be charged before the appropriate courts, including the High Court of Justice and Magistrate Courts, depending on the nature and seriousness of their alleged offences.
Commander Seeks Public Cooperation
The Amotekun commander called on residents to continue providing credible, timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies, particularly as the state prepares for increased activities during the festive season.
He emphasised that community participation remained critical to preventing crime, identifying suspicious movements and ensuring the success of security operations.
Adeleye also appreciated members of the press for their balanced coverage of the Corps’ activities, noting that responsible reporting had contributed to public awareness of security initiatives in the state.
He equally commended residents for their cooperation and contributions to security efforts, while appealing for sustained support and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to working with other security agencies and community-based security structures to maintain peace and prevent criminal activities across Ondo State.
COMMENTS