…Arrests kidnap kingpins

By Tola Gbadamosi

Barely 72 hours after parading 27 suspected criminals, operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, have arrested two kidnap kingpins who abducted four travellers along the Owo/Ose highway.

The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital, said he personally led the operatives, in collaboration with some local hunters, to arrest the suspected kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Adeleye stated that the suspects, who had been terrorising farmers and commuters plying the Elegbeka/Ifon road, confirmed they had collected a ransom of 1.2 million naira from some victims in August.

The Commander revealed that the suspects engaged the operatives of Amotekun in a gun battle before they were captured alive. “A day before the rescue, there was a reported kidnapping along a well-known route. Our team swiftly mobilised, and in collaboration with local hunters, we combed the forest where the victims were believed to be held. By the end of the day, we successfully rescued four people.”

What made this operation particularly significant was the identification of two of the arrested suspects. “These are no longer suspected kidnappers—they are confirmed kidnappers,” the Commander stated, citing victim testimonies. The victims identified the suspects as the same individuals responsible for previous abductions in the area. “These criminals had been arrested before but somehow managed to return to the same locality. Now, we have them again.”

The criminal tactics used by the kidnappers were also exposed during the press briefing. One of the kidnappers had blocked a portion of the road with a vehicle, forcing commuters to slow down and making them vulnerable to ambush. Another suspect was identified as the individual who extorted ₦1.2 million in ransom from a family in August. The same individual had demanded ₦20 million this time but was apprehended at the scene before the ransom could be paid.

“This arrest sends a strong message: there is no hiding place for kidnappers in Ondo State anymore,” the Commander declared emphatically. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure these criminals are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe.”

The success of the operation is being hailed as a significant win in the fight against insecurity in the region. The collaboration between Amotekun, local hunters, and community vigilante groups was crucial to the mission’s success, showcasing the importance of grassroots efforts in tackling organised crime.

Ondo State has been grappling with an increase in kidnapping incidents in recent months, particularly along key highways and rural routes. The state government, in conjunction with security agencies, has intensified efforts to curb the menace with increased patrols, intelligence gathering, and the deployment of local security forces such as Amotekun. The recent arrests are seen as a positive outcome of these coordinated efforts.

Community leaders and local stakeholders have applauded the swift action taken by the security forces. “This operation not only saved lives but has also restored confidence in the local security apparatus,” said a community leader from the affected area.

The rescued victims, now safe, are receiving medical attention and psychological support as they recover from their ordeal. The arrested kidnappers are currently in custody and will face legal proceedings in the coming days.

With this latest success, Ondo State’s security agencies have reiterated their commitment to making the state an inhospitable environment for criminals. The Commander concluded, “We want every criminal in Ondo State to know—there is no safe haven for you here. We will find you, and justice will be served.”