By Dayo Johnson
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, have arrested a drug peddler who allegedly worked as an informant for kidnappers, alongside 98 other suspected criminals, in a statewide operation.
Parading the suspects, Amotekun Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye said some of those arrested posed as mentally unstable persons to avoid suspicion while carrying out kidnappings and robberies.
Adeleye said the “fake lunatics” were involved in drug trafficking, gathering intelligence for kidnappers, and other crimes across the state.
“Our intelligence and plainclothes officers monitored and tracked them to places where they charged their phones, changed clothes, and coordinated operations before they were arrested,” Adeleye said.
Other suspects were picked up during anti-kidnapping raids, as well as for robbery, drug peddling, and acts likely to breach public peace.
“Of the 98 suspects, 60 are facing prosecution in court, 38 cases were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution, and 13 remain under investigation.
” Ten suspects were arrested either at kidnapping scenes or while attempting abductions.
Adeleye recounted how Amotekun’s rapid response team rescued a kidnapped couple in Iluwabu community without paying ransom.
After receiving distress information, operatives moved into the forest and rescued the wife immediately, then secured the husband’s release in an overnight operation.
The commander said that the couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sanusi Kehinde were abducted from their residence in Ilu-Abo community, Akure North council area of the state.
They were reportedly attacked shortly after arriving at their home around 6:30 p.m., when armed men who had allegedly laid ambush for them emerged from hiding and forcefully dragged them into a nearby forest.
Narrating his experience, Mr. Kehinde said the kidnappers struck unexpectedly as he was attempting to step out of their vehicle.
According to him, “We had just returned home in Ilu-Abo, unaware that the kidnappers had been waiting for us. As I tried to come out of the car, they attacked and abducted us immediately,” he recounted.
According to him, the abductors subjected them to severe physical assault during the ordeal.
“Our experience in the hands of the kidnappers was traumatic and pathetic.
“They attacked us with machetes and beat us mercilessly. We sustained several injuries during the attack,” he said.
Mr. Kehinde, however, praised the swift intervention of Amotekun operatives, noting that his wife was rescued less than ten minutes after the abduction due to the agency’s rapid response.
“The way Amotekun responded was incredible. In less than 10 minutes, they had rescued my wife. The Corps Commander himself was actively involved in the bush operation,” he said.
Adeleye attributed the recent rise in kidnapping and other crimes to pressure on criminal elements fleeing the North.
The commander assured residents that Ondo remains safe, noting that Amotekun is conducting joint operations with the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, and other agencies in forest areas.
“Our forests are no longer safe havens for criminals. Security agencies are working together to ensure the protection of lives and property,” he said.
Adeleye urged residents to share actionable intelligence, assuring that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
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