Amotekun parades 53 suspects, arrests 21 illegal immigrants, cracks kidnap network in Ondo
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has paraded 53 suspects arrested for offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, rape, cultism, cattle rustling, impersonation, armed robbery and large scale theft across the state.
Speaking at the Amotekun Headquarters in Akure during the parade, the Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining peace and security in Ondo State through intelligence driven operations and collaboration with residents.
Adeleye expressed concern over the increasing influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring West African countries, warning that many enter the state under false pretences.
According to him, 21 foreign nationals were arrested in Owo after they allegedly rented two apartments while claiming to be phone repairers and labourers. He said investigations revealed that most of them had no ECOWAS travel documents, while some landlords accommodated them without verifying their identities.
The commander described such landlords as accomplices under the law, noting that abandoned illegal immigrants often become tools for criminal activities.
Adeleye also disclosed that Amotekun uncovered a self-kidnapping syndicate in Akure North. He explained that four suspects staged a fake abduction and spread the story on social media before operatives uncovered the plot and arrested those involved.
On kidnapping operations, he said seven suspects linked to kidnapping activities were arrested in Akoko following a joint operation involving Amotekun operatives, Fulani farmers and herders, and community leaders.
The operation led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims, one of whom sustained severe machete injuries and is receiving treatment at Amotekun’s medical facility.
He commended Fulani leaders who assisted security operatives in identifying criminal elements within their community, urging law-abiding herders to continue supporting security efforts.
The Amotekun boss further announced the arrest of suspects connected with murder, attempted murder and cult-related violence in Ode-Aye and Okitipupa, while another suspect was apprehended in Idanre for impersonation.
In Akure, operatives dismantled a diesel theft syndicate allegedly stealing millions of naira worth of diesel from a quarry and construction company along Ondo Road. Several containers of stolen diesel, a stolen Golf vehicle, a Tiger generator, motorcycles, aluminium materials and other household items were recovered.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Adeleye said suspects were apprehended across Akure North, Ogbese, Akoko South-East, Idanre, Okitipupa, Owo and other parts of the state for kidnapping, conspiracy, rape, cattle rustling, theft and illegal immigration.
He thanked Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for security agencies and appealed to residents to continue supplying timely and actionable intelligence to strengthen efforts against criminality across Ondo State.