Ondo Amotekun Arrests 51, Cracks Down On Kidnap Syndicate

The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, on Friday paraded 51 suspects arrested across various parts of the state for crimes ranging from kidnapping, robbery, rape, human trafficking, and open grazing violations.

Speaking at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, Adeleye disclosed that the arrests were made in different locations, including forests and communities, through coordinated operations by Amotekun operatives and other security agencies.

He noted that among the suspects were six alleged kidnappers, including a 21-year-old, a 40-year-old, and a 30-year-old, who confessed to carrying out five major abductions in the state. “We dismantled a notorious kidnap syndicate operating within Ondo forests. Their ringleader confessed to several operations,” he said.

The commander also revealed the arrest of a rape suspect, an ex-convict who escaped from Okitipupa Correctional Centre, robbery gangs, and others who posed as hawkers and scrap collectors but acted as informants for criminals. He added that 35 of the suspects would be charged to court, while others would undergo further screening or internal dispute resolution.

Reassuring residents of continued safety, Adeleye said: “In the last three weeks, Ondo State has been relatively safe. Pockets of security breaches were promptly handled by combined efforts of all security agencies. Our message to criminals is clear: Ondo State is not safe for you. Pack your things and leave.”

He commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for supporting the corps, assuring that Amotekun Rangers would intensify patrols across the 18 local government areas and border communities to safeguard lives, property, and farmlands.

Adeleye urged residents to provide timely intelligence, reiterating that suspects in custody are not required to pay for bail. “Even feeding of those under interrogation is provided free by the government,” he added.

The commander reaffirmed that Amotekun remains committed to ensuring Ondo State is safe for farmers, investors, and residents alike.