…Amotekun operatives set up an ambush following repeated kidnapping incidents around Akungba Akoko.
ONDO, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, has successfully apprehended 32 suspected kidnappers and other notorious criminals across the state.
During a parade of the suspects, the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that 17 of those arrested were linked to kidnapping-related offences, 12 were taken into custody for violations of law and order, and three were detained for breaching the state’s anti-grazing law. “This represents a notable increase in the number of kidnapping suspects apprehended in Ondo State,” Adeleye stated.
Among those arrested is a trio, Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25), allegedly involved in an attempt to murder their Fulani employer after reportedly roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani.
In Oba Akoko, repeated kidnapping incidents around Akungba Akoko led Amotekun operatives to set up an ambush. At a staged ransom exchange, Pius (23) and John (35) were arrested. Adeleye added, “Other collaborators remain at large, but efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.”
Additional arrests occurred in several locations:
Ile Oluji and Ondo Town: Elura, Alilu, Adamu, and Kamal (ages 24–29)
Akin Camp and Odigbo: Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (22–35), and Abba Aliu (29), including one suspect who had previously escaped custody but was re-arrested
Agbogbo, Akure: Three individuals found with suspicious items
Akure Garage: Four suspects detained for conspiracy, assault, and breach of public peace
Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon: Abdulahi, Kada, and Useni arrested for conspiracy, theft, and violations of the anti-grazing law
Other theft-related cases: Friday (43) for breaking and stealing, and Yayah Abba, Masadi, and Abubakar for stealing motorcycles and water pumps
Adeleye reassured residents that criminal activities in Ondo State are steadily declining, adding that the state remains largely peaceful.
Addressing concerns about a possible influx of bandits, the commander noted, “We have observed a movement of young, unemployed men from northern regions into Ondo State. Working closely with other security agencies, we ensure that only those with legitimate reasons remain, while others are returned to their states of origin.”
Responding to circulating social media reports, Adeleye clarified, “No bandits entered Akure. What actually happened was that 42 individuals were discovered hidden inside a bitumen truck. Investigations and profiling of these persons are ongoing.”
