Amotekun Saves 28 Ghanaians In Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, successfully rescued 28 Ghanaians who had been kidnapped and held hostage in the Oda area of Akure, the state capital. The victims were deceived by a 28-man syndicate that promised them U.S. visas for a fee of $1,500 to $2,000. After arriving in Nigeria, the victims were held captive and forced to lure others into the same trap.

In another operation, Amotekun operatives recovered ₦210,000 from kidnappers who had abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million. At a press briefing, Ondo Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, highlighted the successes of the security force, including the arrest of 61 suspects involved in crimes such as kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, and violating the state’s anti-open grazing law.

“My advice to young men, please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek greener pastures abroad. These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people, and it’s an international syndicate being coordinated by a Ghanaian resident in Akure, though at large,” Adeleye warned.

He described the syndicate’s method of operation, saying,

“The syndicate operates by calling unsuspecting individuals in foreign countries, offering assistance with U.S. or Canadian visa processing for a fee of $1,500 – $5,000. They also promise jobs, claiming that the only route is through Nigeria. Upon arrival in Lagos, agents pick them up, bring them to Akure, and then seize their money. They are held hostage until they recruit another victim.”

Adeleye expressed confidence that justice would soon catch up with the mastermind of the operation. “We’re sure that the long hand of justice will catch up with him. There are so many profitable ventures that you can engage in as a young man in Nigeria. I want to encourage you that now that the Aiyedatiwa-led government is resolute in guaranteeing security of lives and property in the state, you can equally join the wagon in the agricultural sector.”

Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye also issued a stern warning to individuals occupying Ondo’s forest reserves illegally. He emphasized that these actions would no longer be tolerated and urged offenders to vacate the forest areas immediately.

“The position of the government is that for you to be in the forest reserves of Ondo State, you must seek and obtain government permission. We have met with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah and various groups, and we’ve made the position of government known,” he stated. Adeleye further warned against criminals hiding under the guise of economic activities.

“The era of bringing two, three hundred men behind a few bags of rice under the guise of coming to hunt or offload goods is gone in Ondo State. Security agencies at the borders have been alerted to send such trucks back once we find more than 10 people who do not have a clear destination.”

In a bid to curb crime and improve security, the Ondo State Government has imposed a ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada) from operating beyond 8 p.m.