The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has paraded 28 suspects for alleged kidnapping, armed banditry, cultism, rape, and stealing. The operation, which spanned four days, led to the dismantling of a kidnapping syndicate involving a 56-year-old father, Iliasu, and his three sons, Usman, 33, Wahab, 27, and Yakubu, 18, who were arrested in Oba Akoko.

According to Commander Adetunji Adeleye, the victim was abducted while traveling to Oba Akoko, and despite the family paying a ransom, the suspects refused to release him, threatening them against reporting the incident to security agencies. Amotekun swung into action, tracing the hideout and rescuing the victim alive after the suspects attacked their operatives. The victim had sustained knife and cutlass injuries to his head and was hospitalized.

The authorities recovered over 75% of the ransom paid, as well as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and materials used to blindfold the victim. One of the principal suspects had been on Amotekun’s watchlist since 2024 for kidnapping in Ondo North. Two other suspects, Musa and Aruna, were arrested in separate kidnap cases in Owo, while several others face charges for various crimes across Ondo State.

Adeleye assured residents that Amotekun has strengthened its presence across forests and urban areas, stating, “There is no hiding place again… commuters and residents can go about their lawful activities without molestation.”