The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has rescued five kidnap victims and arrested 14 suspects in connection with various offences across the state.
The corps commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects and briefing journalists on recent operations carried out by the security outfit.
Adeleye said nine operatives of the corps’ special squad were deployed following a distress call over the abduction of two people in Okeigbo, Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Local Government Area.
He said the operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), lasted about 72 hours before the victims were located several kilometres from the abduction scene in a reserve forest.
According to him, the male victim was rescued, while the female victim was found dead.
“We commenced action until about 72 hours after when His Excellency, the Governor, called me personally and he said that we must at all costs rescue these victims despite all we have been doing,” Adeleye said.
The commander said the kidnappers attempted to frustrate the rescue operation by providing security operatives with false geolocation information, forcing the corps to combine intelligence-led bush searches with non-kinetic strategies.
“But the good news is that we had sent signals by this action that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo state,” he said.
Adeleye also disclosed that one of the suspects allegedly linked to the recent abduction of two boys in Owo had been traced to Oyo State.
He said arrangements were being made with sister security agencies to bring the suspect back to Ondo State for prosecution.
The commander further revealed that two men abducted around the Ala-Dada axis were rescued after they succeeded in sending a distress signal to security operatives.
According to him, Amotekun Rangers immediately moved into the forest and secured their release within minutes.
Adeleye said the corps also dismantled a suspected syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling around Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu and Omotosho in Odigbo LGA.
He said the operation resulted in the arrest of the alleged masterminds as well as some suspected buyers of stolen cattle.
“After very decisive actions, we were able to arrest the main culprits who, in collaboration with some at large, also stole these cows in three different locations,” he said.
According to Adeleye, the suspects allegedly disposed of the stolen cattle through established markets across the state at “very ridiculous prices”.
He added that two suspects, Akinlolu and Akintimi, were being prosecuted for alleged illegal possession of firearms.
Other suspects paraded included 30-year-old Jamiu, who was allegedly involved in vandalising buildings under construction, and Olajide, who was accused of specialising in the theft of iron rods.
Another suspect, identified as Lomi Dada, was reportedly arrested after allegedly stealing an iron rod from a palace in Odigbo.
The corps also recovered a motorcycle allegedly stolen in Akure and transported to Ore for sale. Two suspects, Ojo, 25, and Opayemi, 29, were arrested in connection with the alleged theft.
Adeleye assured residents and prospective investors of improved security across the state, saying the corps had intensified patrols along borders and deployed personnel to major junctions, forests and metropolitan areas.