Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, have rescued eight kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across Akure North Local Government Area and other parts of the state, following a fierce gun battle with their abductors. The State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, said the victims were freed without the payment of any ransom, despite the kidnappers’ demand of ₦30 million.
According to Adeleye, the rescue operation was triggered by actionable intelligence that led operatives to track the kidnappers to their hideout deep inside the forest. “Following actionable intelligence, our men tracked the kidnappers to their location and engaged them in a gun duel. The criminals were forced to flee, allowing us to secure the release of all eight victims,” the commander said. He added that the operation involved a fierce exchange of gunfire, during which the Amotekun operatives successfully overpowered the abductors.
Adeleye emphasised that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. “Not a kobo was paid as ransom. Through technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic operations, we were able to locate the kidnappers deep inside the forest and secure the release of all the victims professionally without causing harm to them,” he stated. He noted that the successful operation came barely 24 to 48 hours after the corps paraded 46 suspected kidnappers arrested in various parts of the state. “We promised the people of Ondo State that our men would return to the forests after the parade, and we kept that promise. Our operatives went back into the forests and successfully rescued eight kidnapped victims in Akure North and other parts of the state,” Adeleye said.
Some of the victims were abducted from the Ilado community in Akure North Local Government Area, where armed assailants reportedly invaded the area and whisked residents away into the forest. Among those rescued was Fagbonmire Durojaiye, a pastor and teacher with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), whose abduction had sparked concern among residents and members of his church. Other rescued victims were identified as Muhammad, Moses Keke, Ijojo, Emeka Ngo, Fagbamie, Akata, and three others identified simply as Sefanu, Kabiru, and Saradin. The victims were reportedly abducted from different communities.
Adeleye commended the operatives involved in the operation and said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects. He also expressed appreciation to residents for providing timely and useful information that aided the operation and thanked the Ondo State Government for its support. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while security has been strengthened in the affected communities to prevent further attacks.
Speaking on the development, the traditional ruler of Ilado community, Oba Ifedayo Ademira, the Olu of Ilado, commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Amotekun Corps for the successful rescue operation. The monarch said he was in constant contact with the corps commander throughout the ordeal and expressed gratitude that all the abducted persons were returned safely.
The rescue operation is the latest in a series of successful interventions by the Ondo Amotekun Corps, which has intensified its intelligence-driven operations in response to rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of the state. Earlier this month, the corps paraded 46 suspected kidnappers arrested across the state, signaling a sustained offensive against criminal elements operating in the region. As the commander noted, the rescue of the eight victims demonstrates the effectiveness of community cooperation, technology, and strategic operations in combating the kidnapping scourge.
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