Amotekun Arraigns 142 Suspects, Busts Notorious Kidnap Gangs in Ondo
9th May, 2026
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arraigned more than 142 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the state as part of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity.
The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Akure on recent operations carried out by the agency.
According to Adeleye, the suspects were arrested for offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, violation of the anti-grazing law, and involvement in farmer-herder clashes recorded in different parts of the state.
He revealed that operatives of the corps recently arrested a notorious terror gang leader alongside three members of his syndicate during special operations in one of the forests in the state.
The Amotekun boss said the suspects were linked to several kidnapping incidents and other security breaches that had occurred in recent months, adding that they had been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and prosecution.
Adeleye explained that the timely arrest of the gang prevented planned attacks on critical public institutions in Akure and surrounding communities, although the group had allegedly carried out multiple kidnappings before their arrest.
He said security agencies had intensified forest clearance operations across Ondo State to flush out criminal elements, noting that the corps was now focusing more on prosecution while sustaining efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects.
The commander further disclosed that four members of another notorious criminal gang involved in violent robberies, kidnappings, and destruction of property were also arrested and transferred to the DSS.
“The state has witnessed a surge in criminal activities in recent months, including armed robbery and kidnapping. However, through credible intelligence and the commitment of our operatives, we have been able to dismantle some of these criminal networks,” Adeleye said.
He added that the gang, which allegedly operated under instructions from outside the state, was intercepted before carrying out further attacks.
“The group, which claimed responsibility for several violent robberies, kidnappings, and destruction of property, has been neutralised. The leader, who took directives from outside the state, was apprehended, their supply chain disrupted, and other members captured during a coordinated operation,” he stated.
