The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 28 suspects over alleged offences ranging from kidnapping and armed banditry to robbery, cultism, rape and theft during a series of operations across the state.
Among those arrested are a 56-year-old man, Iliasu, and his three sons — Usman (33), Wahab (27) and Yakubu (18) — who are accused of abducting a man in Oba Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure on Tuesday, the corps commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the family had been under surveillance since 2024 over alleged kidnapping activities in Ondo North. He claimed they used cattle rearing as a cover for their criminal operations.
According to Adeleye, the victim was abducted while travelling to Oba Akoko. His relatives reportedly paid a ransom without notifying security agencies after the kidnappers allegedly warned them against involving the authorities. Despite receiving the money, the suspects allegedly refused to free the victim, prompting the family to seek Amotekun’s intervention.
The commander said operatives launched a rescue operation, during which the suspects allegedly attacked security personnel. The victim was eventually rescued with serious injuries after reportedly being assaulted with knives and cutlasses. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, while operatives recovered more than 75 per cent of the ransom allegedly paid by the family.
Adeleye added that officers also recovered drugs, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and what appeared to be a blindfold believed to have been used during the victim’s captivity.
The corps also announced several other arrests across the state. Two suspects, identified as Musa and Aruna, were arrested over alleged kidnapping-related offences in Owo, while seven others — Mohammed, Tekasu, Rabi, Abubakar, Saibu, Kalij and Adamu — were arrested in connection with alleged armed banditry.
Other suspects were arrested for offences including illegal possession of firearms, robbery, cultism, rape, theft and breach of public peace in different parts of Ondo State, including Akure South and Oke-Ijebu.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to tackling crime, Adeleye warned that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the state.
“There is no hiding place for criminals, whether in the forests or in the towns. The Amotekun Corps has been strategically positioned across Ondo State to ensure residents and commuters can carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
