Amotekun Nabs 17 Suspected Kidnappers in Ondo, Intercepts Truck with 42 Hidden Men
AKURE — The Ondo State Security Network Agency, commonly known as Amotekun, has apprehended 17 suspected kidnappers in a major crackdown on criminal elements across the state.
The arrests were part of a broader operation that netted 32 suspects in total over the weekend. Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, paraded the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure on Sunday, revealing a disturbing rise in kidnap-related activities.
The “Roast Beef” Plot
Among the most chilling cases paraded were three herdsmen—Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25)—arrested in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area.
According to Adeleye, the trio not only stole 10 cows belonging to their Fulani employer but also roasted the animals for a feast before plotting to kill the boss to cover their tracks.
“They slaughtered and roasted 10 of his cows. When they realized the implications, they attempted to kill their employer,” Adeleye stated. “Our operatives moved in swiftly to save the victim and apprehend the suspects.”
Ransom Collectors Ambushed
In a separate operation along the Oba Akoko and Akungba Akoko axis, Amotekun operatives foiled a ransom exchange, arresting two suspects designated to collect the money.
The suspects, identified as Pius (23) and John (35), walked into an ambush set by the corps. “We caught them at the point of what they thought was a ransom exchange,” the Commander explained, noting that the hunt is on for their fleeing accomplices.
Truckload of Suspicious Men Intercepted
Adeleye also disclosed that his men intercepted a heavy-duty truck loaded with bitumen that was secretly conveying 42 men into the state.
“We found 42 persons hidden inside a bitumen truck. We immediately commenced investigations and profiling,” he said.
The Commander linked some of the arrests to a recent “upsurge” in the influx of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country into Ondo. He vowed that the agency would continue to repatriate those without genuine reasons for entering the state.
No Hiding Place
Other arrests included:
- Akin Camp & Odigbo: Four suspects (Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu, and Abba Aliu) arrested for kidnapping activities.
- Recapture: One suspect who had previously escaped lawful custody was re-arrested at the scene of a fresh kidnapping operation.
Adeleye assured residents that despite the arrests, the security situation remains under control. “Ondo remains peaceful, and criminal activities are on the decline. We will not rest until the state is rid of all criminal elements,” he declared.