The Ondo joint security task force has arrested 61 individuals suspected of kidnapping, along with others involved in related criminal activities.
The Ondo State Joint Security Task Force has arrested 28 suspected members of kidnapping syndicates and 33 other suspected criminals. Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the state security outfit known as Amotekun, stated that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the strict enforcement of a ban on motorcycle (Okada) operations from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., as well as the impounding of unregistered vehicles to help reduce crime across the state.
While presenting the 61 suspected criminals, Adeleye explained that they were arrested over two weeks in connection with various crimes, including alleged kidnapping, attempted murder, armed robbery, and visa scams. He revealed that the joint security task force, operating under the code name Operation Daadaa, conducted operations in Alagada, Ago Ademekun, and Ago Oyinbo forests, where the suspects were apprehended.
The operation also extended to Ose and Owo local government areas, as well as the entire Akure North and South council areas. Adeleye mentioned that the 28 suspected kidnappers were arrested for allegedly abducting and defrauding Ghanaians and Nigerians who were desperate to travel abroad in search of better opportunities. “We are parading 61 suspects today. These individuals have been arrested for various crimes throughout the state,” he said.
Regarding the kidnapping cases, Adeleye noted that both victims and their captors were present during the parade, and the victims were able to identify their kidnappers. He also explained that the task force dismantled a 28-member syndicate involved in kidnapping, human trafficking, and cattle rustling. This group would lure unsuspecting individuals by claiming to assist them in obtaining U.S. visas. They invited 28 Ghanaians to Akure, collected fees from them, ranging from $1,000 to $2,500, and subsequently kidnapped them, holding them captive until they could recruit more victims.
The Intelligence Section of the Amotekun Corps played a crucial role in uncovering this operation. In Owo local government, the task force successfully rescued a family of five from kidnappers without any ransom payment, as well as another family of four under similar circumstances. Adeleye added, The only money taken from the Idanre group was the cash found with them, which totaled N210,000, while they were negotiating for a ransom of N10 million. We used intelligence to bombard the forests where they were hiding, allowing us to release the hostages without harm.
He advised young people to ensure they deal with credible individuals when seeking opportunities abroad. “These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of victims, and this is an international syndicate coordinated by a Ghanaian currently at large in Akure. We are confident that justice will prevail. There are numerous legitimate ventures for young people in Nigeria.” Additionally, the task force arrested other individuals for cattle rustling and violations of the anti-open grazing law. Among those apprehended was a suspect named Sylvester, who had been on their watchlist for kidnapping and was arrested at Old Garage in Akure.
