Amotekun Nabs Four Suspects In Ondo
Date 13th 2025
A coordinated security operation by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has led to the arrest of five suspected criminals and the rescue of four kidnapped victims following a prolonged gun battle inside a forest in the state.
The operation, which involved intense crossfire with suspected kidnappers, was carried out by Amotekun operatives during routine patrols under ongoing security measures across Ondo State.
Five suspects were later paraded at the Corps’ headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, where the State Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that those arrested were linked to kidnapping, attempted abduction and fraud-related offences.
Adeleye explained that the arrests were made during a series of operations conducted within the last 48 hours under “Operation Le Won Jade” (chase them out), with support from the Border Patrol unit and the 24-hour ember-month security surveillance.
According to him, four of the suspects were apprehended in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred at about 4:50 p.m. on Monday.
He said, “A distress call was received concerning heavy gunfire in a forest area, which prompted the immediate deployment of a rapid response team. Our operatives also collaborated with local security personnel to respond swiftly.
“Upon entering the forest, our men were met with fierce resistance and came under heavy attack from the kidnappers.”
Adeleye noted that at the end of the encounter, four out of five abducted passengers were rescued alive, while the driver of the bus conveying them was fatally shot by the attackers as they attempted to stop the vehicle.
“The rescue mission lasted over three hours as our operatives thoroughly combed the forest. Among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor.
“One of the women sustained gunshot injuries before our arrival but was stabilized at the Amotekun health facility,” he added.
He further revealed that two of the suspects arrested during the operation were directly involved in shooting at Amotekun operatives and in the killing of the bus driver.
In another development, the Corps Commander said Amotekun operatives also thwarted an attempted abduction of a female officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
He explained that the suspects disguised themselves as visitors to inmates and offered to assist the officer on her way to town before attempting to kidnap her.
“The victim escaped by raising an alarm close to the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, where our operatives intervened, rescued her and arrested the suspects,” Adeleye said.
Additionally, one suspect was paraded for allegedly defrauding his employer of N77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.
Adeleye reassured residents that Ondo State would remain unsafe for criminals, stressing that there would be no hiding place for kidnappers, bandits or fraudsters.
“All rescued victims were treated free of charge, and no ransom was paid,” he stated.
The Corps Commander disclosed that Amotekun, working alongside the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes and local hunters, has intensified regional security collaboration.
He added that major highways, communities and public areas across the Southwest are being reinforced to ensure safety, while noting that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved the recruitment of 500 additional Amotekun personnel. Interested applicants are to apply via the agency’s website on or before the stated deadline.
