The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and other criminals over alleged offences including kidnapping, motorcycle theft and burglary across the state.
Two of the suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a woman and her two children, who were rescued by Amotekun operatives in the Osi/Isinigbo area of Akure North Local Government Area.
Speaking on the development on Monday, the state commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were arrested in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, stealing, motorcycle theft and burglary.
Adeleye said the arrests were made possible through intelligence gathering and the assistance of some members of the Fulani community in the affected areas.
According to him, the suspects allegedly planned the abduction of the woman and her children before gaining access to the residence.
However, the operation was disrupted after the woman’s husband and other occupants woke up and fled the house.
He said the incident prompted the mobilisation of Amotekun operatives and members of the Fulani community, who reportedly cordoned off the area and apprehended one of the suspects.
Adeleye identified the two suspected kidnappers as Gambo, 27, and Murtala, 19, saying Gambo was allegedly negotiating and discussing ransom for the planned abduction before his arrest behind Shasha in Akure.
He said Murtala was arrested with a locally made firearm and other weapons, adding that he was allegedly planning to kidnap the wife of his former employer, whom he had previously worked for.
The commander alleged that Murtala had confessed to being a serial kidnapper operating in the Akure North axis, although the allegation has yet to be established by a court.
Adeleye also disclosed that another suspect, identified as Mustafa, was arrested over alleged motorcycle theft and burglary of religious centres.
According to him, Mustafa allegedly specialised in stealing motorcycles and burgling churches and mosques, with his latest alleged operation involving a church in Elegbeka, where he was subsequently arrested by Amotekun operatives.
He added that Joseph, 25, and Friday, 20, were also arrested for allegedly stealing and reselling motorcycles. One of the suspects was allegedly responsible for keeping a stolen motorcycle and assisting in its sale for ₦70,000, despite the motorcycle being new.
The commander said the arrests demonstrated the importance of community intelligence in tackling criminal activities, adding that Amotekun would continue its patrols and operations across the state to ensure residents could carry out their activities without fear and return home safely.