The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 98 suspected criminals in a series of coordinated operations across different parts of the state, including a suspect who allegedly disguised himself as a mentally unstable person to facilitate kidnapping and robbery activities.
The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Sunday while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
He said the arrests were the result of intensified intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, drug traffickers, and other criminal networks operating within the state.
According to him, 60 of the suspects have already been charged to courts of competent jurisdiction, while 38 cases were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
He further revealed that 13 suspects are currently undergoing investigation and interrogation ahead of prosecution, while 10 others were caught either at kidnapping scenes or during attempted abductions.
Adeleye disclosed a disturbing tactic uncovered during investigations, where some suspects allegedly pretended to be mentally unstable to avoid suspicion while actively participating in criminal operations.
He said such individuals were involved in roles ranging from drug trafficking to intelligence gathering for kidnappers and armed robbery logistics.
“Our intelligence and plainclothes officers monitored and tracked them to locations where they charged their phones, changed clothes and coordinated operations before they were arrested,” he stated.
He also confirmed that operatives of the corps successfully rescued a kidnapped couple in Iluwabu community without the payment of ransom.
According to him, the agency’s rapid response team launched a forest operation after a distress call, rescuing the wife first and later securing the husband after sustained overnight efforts.
“We reunited the family without any ransom payment or negotiation,” he added.
The commander attributed the recent surge in kidnapping cases to criminal elements relocating from northern parts of the country, while assuring residents that Ondo State remains secure.
He noted that joint security operations involving the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies have been intensified, particularly in forested areas used as hideouts.
“Our forests are no longer safe havens for criminals. Security agencies are working together to protect lives and property,” Adeleye said.
He urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that such information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
