The Ondo State Command of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, has successfully rescued five individuals abducted by kidnappers without paying the N150 million ransom initially demanded.
Speaking to journalists in Akure on Wednesday, the state’s Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the victims were rescued on May 6 and May 10 through swift, intelligence-driven operations.
According to Adeleye, four victims were kidnapped on May 10 at Iromeh along the Lagos-Ore Expressway, with their captors demanding N100 million for their release. “Within minutes of the incident, our distress line was contacted and our operatives mobilised immediately into the forest,” he said.
The fifth victim was abducted on May 6 along the Ikare-Owo Road. Despite sustaining machete injuries, he was rescued without a single naira being paid of the N50 million ransom requested. He is currently receiving medical care at a facility provided by the corps.
Adeleye attributed the successful operations to a recent directive empowering security agencies to intensify forest patrols across the state.
“Our officers are on 24-hour patrol, and our rangers are already positioned in the forests to ensure rapid response to any credible tip-off,” he said. “We assure the public that every piece of information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.”
He reaffirmed the Ondo State Government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to kidnapping, armed robbery, and all forms of criminality.
