Amotekun arrests 15 suspected kidnappers, other criminals

Ondo State's security outfit, Amotekun, has apprehended 15 individuals suspected of various criminal activities, including kidnapping and armed robbery. The agency announced the rescue of two farmers who had been abducted along the Ondo-Ife road, though tragically, another victim died while in captivity.

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A couple of days ago, we had this isolated case of kidnapping in Okeigbo, and nine of the Special Squad of Amotekun moved immediately we received the distress call.

Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the State Commander of Amotekun, stated that the arrested suspects were involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling, and housebreaking. He highlighted a joint operation with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police that led to the rescue. Adeleye noted the intensified efforts following a direct call from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for urgent action.

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We equally contacted sister security agencies, especially the DSS, for joint tracking.

Adeleye detailed how the kidnappers attempted to mislead operatives with false geolocations, emphasizing the development of "non-kinetic measures" alongside intelligence-driven operations. The Amotekun corps also arrested a group specializing in kidnapping and rustling cattle from Fulani herdsmen in several local government areas. Buyers of the stolen cows, reportedly sold for ₦100,000 each, were also apprehended. The commander also listed other arrests, including individuals involved in vandalizing construction sites for electrical cables and plumbing, and stealing iron rods from a palace.

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About 72 hours after the Governor called me personally and said that we must at all costs rescue these victims, I am glad to let you know that several kilometers away from the scene of crime, we successfully secured the release of the two of them that were kidnapped in Okeigbo.