No fewer than 17 suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, following sustained intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects alongside 15 others arrested for various criminal offences at the corps’ headquarters in Akure.
Adeleye said the arrests reflect a worrying rise in kidnapping-related activities in the state, prompting intensified security operations to curb the trend.
“Out of the 32 suspects paraded today, 17 are linked to kidnapping-related offences. This represents an increase in kidnapping activities. Twelve others were arrested for breach of law and order, while three violated the state’s anti-grazing law,” he said.
According to him, the operations followed a recent surge in the influx of young, unemployed men from northern parts of the country into Ondo State. He noted that Amotekun, in collaboration with other security agencies, has been profiling and returning individuals without legitimate reasons for residing in the state.
Adeleye revealed that operatives intercepted a truck conveying 42 persons hidden inside a bitumen-laden vehicle, adding that investigations and profiling of the individuals have commenced.
Among those paraded were three suspects accused of attempting to kill their Fulani employer after allegedly roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani. Two other suspects were arrested in Oba Akoko and Akungba Akoko while allegedly attempting to collect ransom from kidnapped victims.
Further arrests were recorded in Ile Oluji, Ondo town, Akin Camp, Odigbo, Akure, and Elegbeka Reserve Forest, involving offences ranging from kidnapping and conspiracy to stealing, assault, and breach of public peace.
Adeleye said one suspect previously escaped from lawful custody after a kidnapping arrest but was later re-arrested at Akin Camp, where victims were also rescued.
Reassuring residents, the Amotekun commander said security in the state remains under control, stressing that criminal activities are gradually declining due to proactive policing.
Fidelis David in Akure
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