The Ondo State command of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, has thwarted five separate kidnap attempts within two weeks and arrested 17 suspects linked to various crimes.
Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists in Akure. He said none of the victims involved in the incidents paid ransom before their release.
Adeleye revealed that the latest incident occurred on Monday when a local chief and a commercial motorcyclist were abducted near Akure.
He said the corps responded swiftly after receiving a distress call, working overnight with local hunters to secure the victims’ release without ransom.
“In the Akoko axis, some kidnappers attacked farmlands, raped women, and kidnapped victims along Ajegunle Road around 1:00 to 2:00 a.m.,” he added. “Within 48 hours, the victims were freed, and three gang members identified by the victims were arrested.”
He further stated that similar arrests were made in the Central Senatorial District where kidnapping suspects were also positively identified by their victims.
As of Wednesday, the corps had a total of 17 suspects in custody: three for kidnapping, six for robbery and rape, and eight for various breaches of public order.
Commander Adeleye assured residents that Amotekun remains committed to working with other security agencies to maintain peace in the state.
He also noted that farmer-herder clashes had significantly declined and called on residents to provide timely information to support the corps’ operations.