Amotekun Cracks Down: 35 Suspects Arrested, Kidnap Victims Rescued in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested no fewer than 35 suspects for various criminal offences across the state, as part of intensified security operations.

The State Commander of the corps Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the arrests were made within a one-week period, covering crimes ranging from kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, burglary, and motorcycle theft.

According to him, 11 suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the operations, while two victims of rape were successfully rescued.

The Commander also revealed that three suspects involved in human trafficking were arrested after defrauding a woman of ₦1.4 million under the false promise of facilitating her travel from Togo to Nigeria and securing a Canadian visa. The suspects reportedly held the victim hostage for about two weeks before she managed to escape and reported the incident to the corps.

“Our operatives acted swiftly after receiving her complaint. We were able to recover the full amount collected from her as well as her passport, which have been returned. She has also been reunited with her family,” he said.

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He added that kidnapping cases were recorded in Akure, Akure North, and other parts of the state, noting that proactive measures by the corps have significantly reduced criminal activities.

The Commander attributed the decline in crime rate, particularly house break-ins, to the enforcement of the ban on night-time motorcycle (Okada) operations.

In a related development, the corps arrested six suspects involved in the theft of motorcycles. The suspects reportedly attacked unsuspecting riders using clubs before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“Some of them dismantled the stolen motorcycles and sold them as spare parts. We were able to arrest them and compelled them to reassemble the motorcycles,” he stated.

The Commander further disclosed that operatives recovered a stolen Lexus Jeep in Owo within three hours of the incident after blocking all exit routes leading out of the town.

He also highlighted the arrest of suspected burglars, including a 28-year-old man known for breaking into homes during church services. The corps, he said, has intensified surveillance during religious gatherings, including Friday Jumat prayers and Sunday services.

Other suspects arrested include individuals linked to theft of vehicles, motorcycle parts, and household items across Akure, Okitipupa, and other areas.

On the enforcement of the state government’s directive on motorcycle registration, the Commander said over 14,000 riders have so far been registered across the 18 local government areas.

He noted that the government extended the registration period by an additional seven days to allow compliance, adding that sensitisation efforts are ongoing.

“So far, we have impounded over 120 motorcycles for violating the directive across the state. Enforcement will continue, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.