Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 14 suspects in connection with a string of criminal activities across the state, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft and vandalism, while also rescuing five kidnap victims in a series of operations that demonstrated both the effectiveness and the limitations of the state's security architecture. Parading the suspects at the corps headquarters in Akure on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the arrests were the result of intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.
The most harrowing of the operations involved the abduction of two farmers in the Parubber Community, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, who were kidnapped by gunmen who demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release. Adeleye recounted that the corps received a distress call and immediately deployed nine operatives of the Special Squad to track the kidnappers. The operation, which lasted about 72 hours, was intensified following a directive from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt. The kidnappers attempted to mislead the security operatives with false geolocation information, forcing the corps to combine intelligence-driven bush combing with non-kinetic strategies. The victims were eventually located deep inside a reserve forest, several kilometres from the scene of the abduction. The male victim was rescued alive, but the female victim was found dead. "We were able to rescue a life without a problem, the man. But unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lady was exhausted and we couldn't revive her because we met her dead," Adeleye said.
Beyond the Okeigbo incident, the Amotekun Corps also rescued two men kidnapped around the Ala-Dada axis after they managed to send a distress signal to security operatives, enabling Amotekun Rangers operating in the forest to secure their release within minutes. The corps also successfully secured the release of two boys who were kidnapped in Owo Local Government Area two weeks earlier, without the payment of any ransom, according to Adeleye. In total, five kidnapped victims were rescued across the various operations.
The parade of the 14 suspects provided a detailed picture of the criminal networks operating in Ondo State. Adeleye disclosed that nine suspects were arrested for offences relating to breach of law and order, while five were linked to kidnapping and cattle rustling. One of the major breakthroughs was the busting of a syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling in Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu and Omotosho areas of Odigbo Local Government Area. The operation led to the arrest of the alleged masterminds and some suspected buyers of stolen cattle. According to the commander, the suspects stole cattle from Fulani herders and sold them through established markets across the state at "very ridiculous prices," sometimes for under N100,000. Among those paraded were two suspects, Akinlolu and Akintimi, who were being charged with illegal possession of firearms.
Other suspects paraded included Jamiu, a 30-year-old man who allegedly specialised in vandalising buildings under construction, removing electrical cables, plumbing installations and other fittings. Another suspect, Olajide, was allegedly involved in stealing iron rods, while a suspect identified as Lomi Dada was arrested after allegedly stealing an iron rod from a palace in Odigbo. The corps also recovered a motorcycle allegedly stolen in Akure and taken to Ore for sale, and arrested two suspects, Ojo, 25, and Opayemi, 29, in connection with the theft.
The Amotekun commander also revealed that one of the suspects linked to the recent abduction of two boys in Owo had been traced to Oyo State, with arrangements underway with sister security agencies to return the suspect to Ondo for prosecution. Adeleye assured residents and potential investors of improved security in the state, saying the corps had intensified border patrols and deployed personnel to major junctions, forests and metropolitan areas. "Our men are manning every major junction within the metropolis to ensure that there is peace and safety of lives and property," he said. "The best criminals can do is to blockade Ondo State. We have sent signals by this action that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State."
The arrests and rescues represent a significant victory for the Amotekun Corps in its ongoing battle against kidnapping, cattle rustling and vandalism, crimes that have increasingly threatened the security and economic well-being of communities across Ondo State. However, the death of the female victim in Okeigbo serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of these criminal activities and the challenges that security forces face in combating them. As the corps continues its intelligence-driven operations and border patrols, the people of Ondo State can take some comfort in knowing that their security agencies are working tirelessly to protect them. But the fight is far from over, and the Amotekun Corps has made it clear that it will not rest until every criminal is brought to justice.
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