Ondo Amotekun Rescues Four Victims from Kidnappers’ Hideout

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, have arrested two kidnap kingpins and rescued four travelers who were abducted along the Owo/Ose highway.

The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, announced the arrests at the command’s headquarters in Akure on Wednesday.

He personally led the operatives, in collaboration with local hunters, to apprehend the suspected kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Adeleye revealed that the suspects, who had been terrorizing farmers and commuters on the Elegbeka/Ifon road, admitted to collecting a ransom of N1.2 million from some victims in August.

The Commander revealed that the suspects engaged Amotekun operatives in a gun battle before they were ultimately 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,” he said.

“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.”

During the press briefing, the criminal tactics of the kidnappers were revealed. One of the suspects had blocked a section of the road with a vehicle, causing commuters to slow down and making them vulnerable to ambush.

Another suspect was identified as the one who extorted N1.2 million in ransom from a family in August; he had demanded N20 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 stated firmly.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure these criminals are brought to justice and that our communities remain safe.”

The rescued victims, now safe, are receiving medical attention and psychological support to aid their recovery.

The arrested kidnappers are in custody and will face legal proceedings soon. With this latest success, Ondo State’s security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to making the state a hostile environment for criminals.

“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,” the Commander concluded.