The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 14 suspects allegedly linked to kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft, vandalism and illegal possession of firearms across the state.
The suspects were paraded on Monday at the corps headquarters in Akure by its Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies.
Adeleye said some of the suspects were allegedly involved in kidnapping and cattle rustling around Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu and Omotosho in Odigbo Local Government Area.
According to him, the operation uncovered a network allegedly involved in stealing cattle from herders and selling them through buyers and established markets across Ondo State.
He said some of the stolen cattle were sold at prices as low as ₦100,000, describing the activities as part of wider criminal operations that security agencies were working to dismantle.
Two suspects identified as Akinlolu and Akintimi were also accused of illegal possession of firearms and were being charged accordingly.
Another suspect, identified as Jamiu, was accused of vandalising houses under construction by removing electrical cables, plumbing installations and other fittings.
Adeleye said another suspect, Olajide, allegedly stole iron rods, while Lomi Dada was accused of stealing an iron rod used at the palace in Odigbo.
The commander said the arrests demonstrated the importance of cooperation among security agencies in confronting criminal networks operating across the state.
He also disclosed the rescue of two farmers who were kidnapped from their farm in Okeigbo, although one of the victims, the woman, died before she could be revived.
Adeleye said nine operatives from the corps’ Special Squad responded to a distress call and worked with sister security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services, to track the kidnappers.
According to him, the operation continued for about 72 hours before the victims were located several kilometres from the scene of the abduction inside a forest reserve.
The commander said the kidnappers attempted to mislead security operatives by manipulating the reported location of the victims.
He said intelligence gathering, bush combing and other measures eventually enabled the team to identify the victims’ location.
Adeleye said the male victim was rescued alive, but his wife was found dead and could not be revived.
The incident highlights the security risks confronting farmers and rural communities in parts of Ondo, particularly in isolated areas where criminal groups can exploit difficult terrain.
The Amotekun commander said the rescue operation, despite the fatality, sent a clear message to criminals that security agencies would continue to pursue them across the state.
The latest arrests also underline the role of intelligence sharing and joint operations in tackling kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of rural crime.
Adeleye said the corps would continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and work with other security agencies to disrupt criminal networks across Ondo State.
