Ondo Amotekun Arrests 32 Suspected Kidnappers, Other Criminals

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has arrested 32 suspected kidnappers and other alleged criminals across the state.

Parading the suspects, the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that 17 of those arrested were linked to kidnapping-related offences, 12 were picked up for breaches of law and order, while three were apprehended for violating the state’s anti-grazing law.

“This represents an increase in the number of kidnap suspects recorded in the state,” Adeleye said.

Among the suspects is a group of three men — Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25) — who allegedly attempted to kill their Fulani employer after roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani.

In Oba Akoko, a rise in kidnapping incidents around Akungba Akoko prompted Amotekun operatives to set up an ambush. During a staged ransom exchange, Pius (23) and John (35) were arrested.
“Other collaborators are still at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them,” Adeleye added.

Further arrests were recorded in several parts of the state:

• Ile Oluji and Ondo Town: Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal (aged 24–29)
• Akin Camp and Odigbo: Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (aged 22–35) and Abba Aliu (29). One of the suspects had earlier escaped from custody but was later re-arrested
• Agbogbo, Akure: Three individuals found with unexplained items
• Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon: Abdulahi, Kada and Useni for conspiracy, stealing and anti-grazing offences
• Other theft cases: Friday (43) for breaking and stealing; Yayah Abba, Masadi and Abubakar for stealing motorcycles and water pumps

Adeleye assured residents that criminal activities in Ondo State are gradually declining, adding that the state remains peaceful.

Addressing concerns over an alleged influx of bandits, he said: “We have observed a renewed movement of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country into the state. In collaboration with other security agencies, we ensure that only those with legitimate reasons remain, while others are returned to their states of origin.”

Clarifying recent social media reports, Adeleye stated: “Bandits did not enter Akure. What occurred was that 42 persons were found hidden inside a bitumen truck. Investigations and profiling of these individuals have since commenced.”

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