Ondo Amotekun Arrests 32 Suspected Kidnappers, Other Criminal Elements Across the State
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has announced the arrest of 32 individuals suspected to be involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities across various parts of the state. The arrests were disclosed on Saturday during the public parade of suspects by the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
According to Adeleye, out of the 32 suspects apprehended, 17 are directly linked to kidnap-related offences, 12 were arrested for acts that contravened public law and order, while three others were taken into custody for violating the state’s anti-open grazing law. He noted that the arrests reflect an increase in the number of kidnapping-related cases recorded in recent weeks, prompting intensified security operations across identified flashpoints.
“This represents an increase in the number of kidnap suspects recorded in the state,” Adeleye stated, adding that Amotekun has strengthened intelligence gathering and field operations in response to emerging threats.
Among those arrested was a group of three men identified as Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25), who were accused of attempting to kill their Fulani employer after allegedly roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani, located in the Ose Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were apprehended following reports from community members, according to Amotekun officials.
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In another operation, Amotekun operatives in Oba Akoko launched an ambush following multiple kidnapping incidents reported around Akungba Akoko. The operation culminated in the arrest of two suspects, Pius (23) and John (35), during a staged ransom exchange. Adeleye disclosed that while the two suspects are currently in custody, other members of the kidnapping syndicate remain at large. He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining collaborators.
Additional arrests were recorded in several other locations across Ondo State. In Ile Oluji and Ondo Town, suspects identified as Elura, Alilu, Adamu, and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29, were arrested in connection with various criminal activities. At Akin Camp and Odigbo, Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (aged between 22 and 35), and Abba Aliu (29) were also apprehended. One of the suspects, according to Adeleye, had previously escaped from custody but was later re-arrested during follow-up operations.
In Agbogbo, Akure, three individuals were arrested after being found in possession of items they could not satisfactorily explain. Meanwhile, at Akure Garage, four suspects were taken into custody for conspiracy, assault, and breach of public peace.
Further arrests were made in Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, where Abdulahi, Kada, and Useni were apprehended for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and violations of the anti-grazing law. In separate theft-related cases, a 43-year-old suspect identified as Friday was arrested for breaking and stealing, while Yayah Abba, Masadi, and Abubakar were accused of stealing motorcycles and water pumps.
Addressing public concerns, Adeleye reassured residents that criminal activities in Ondo State are on the decline and that the state remains relatively peaceful. He also responded to reports of a suspected influx of bandits into the state, clarifying that security agencies had observed increased movement of young, unemployed men from northern parts of the country into Ondo State.
“We have observed a renewed movement of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country into the state. In collaboration with other security agencies, we ensure that only those with legitimate reasons remain, while others are returned to their states of origin,” he explained.
Reacting to social media claims alleging that bandits had invaded Akure, Adeleye dismissed the reports as misleading. He clarified that what actually occurred was the discovery of 42 individuals hidden inside a bitumen truck, all of whom were subjected to profiling and investigation by security agencies.
The Amotekun commander reaffirmed the outfit’s commitment to working with other security agencies and local communities to sustain peace and security across Ondo State.