Amotekun Arrests 53 Suspects, Uncovers Self-Kidnap Plot, Cracks Down on Illegal Immigrants in Ondo
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 53 suspects in connection with kidnapping, murder, robbery, cultism, theft, rape, impersonation and other criminal activities across the state.
The State Commander of the Corps, Akogun Tunji Adeleye, while briefing journalists, disclosed that the arrests were made during recent operations across several parts of Ondo State, with several exhibits also recovered.
A major breakthrough, according to the commander, was the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in a self-kidnapping scheme in Akure North, where they reportedly used social media to raise a false alarm and create the impression that some family members had been abducted.
The commander said operatives initially arrested two suspects before investigations revealed that the person who reported the alleged kidnapping was himself an accomplice. He reportedly led investigators to a house where the supposed kidnap victim was found.
The Corps also announced the arrest of four members of a suspected kidnapping gang allegedly operating around Osi-Igoba and Akure North axis. The arrests followed an earlier pledge by the security agency to get to the root of kidnapping activities in the area.
Two Kidnap Victims Rescued
In another operation in the Akoko axis, Amotekun operatives, working with Fulani farmers and herders, reportedly rescued two kidnapped boys.
One of the victims sustained serious injuries after allegedly being attacked with a machete by his abductors. The commander said the victim was rescued alive and was receiving medical treatment.
A military uniform was also reportedly recovered from one of the suspected kidnappers, while community members who participated in the operation helped identify some of the suspects.
The commander commended Fulani residents who provided intelligence and assisted security personnel in apprehending suspected kidnappers within their community.
21 Foreigners Arrested
The Amotekun boss also raised concern over the activities of foreigners allegedly moving through the state’s forests and cities under different guises.
He said 21 foreigners were arrested in Owo, after allegedly renting two apartments while claiming to have come from neighbouring West African countries to engage in menial jobs and phone repairs.
According to him, preliminary checks indicated that the suspects lacked the necessary immigration documentation to guarantee their stay in Nigeria.
He warned landlords and residents against accommodating people without properly establishing their identities and immigration status, saying those who knowingly assist criminals could face legal consequences.
Diesel Theft, Stolen Vehicles
The security agency also disclosed that it disrupted an alleged multimillion-naira diesel theft operation involving a construction and quarry company along the Ondo-Akure road.
More than 30 containers reportedly filled with diesel were recovered, while three suspects identified as major actors in the alleged operation were arrested.
Amotekun further recovered a stolen Golf vehicle, a suspected stolen motorcycle, a generator, church electronic equipment, aluminium products and other household items allegedly linked to various theft cases.
In total, the agency said 53 suspects were arrested, while several exhibits were recovered during the operations.
The commander appealed to residents of Ondo State to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He also thanked the Ondo State Government and residents for their support in the fight against crime.
