Amotekun Arrests 5 Suspects, Rescues Kidnap Victims After Intense Gunfight In Ondo Forest

The Ondo State Security Network Agency known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested five suspects involved in kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud, following coordinated operations in the last 48 hours.

The suspects were paraded at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.

Parading the suspects, the corps commandant, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that under ‘Operation Le Won Jade’, supported by the Border Patrol and the 24/7 Ember-month security watch, four of the suspects were caught in connection with a kidnapping that occurred around 4:50 p.m.on Monday in a forest area.

Responding to gunfire reports, Amotekun’s rapid response team engaged heavily armed assailants in a fierce shootout.

“Our operatives faced intense gunfire upon entering the forest,” Adeleye said.

“We successfully rescued four of the kidnapped passengers — three women and a bus conductor — but sadly the bus driver was shot dead during the attackers’ attempt to stop the vehicle.

”The three women rescued included one wounded before Amotekun’s arrival. They are now receiving urgent care at the agency’s health facility.

“Two kidnappers who fired at officers and killed the driver were detained during the operation, which lasted over three hours.

“In a separate case, Amotekun thwarted an attempted abduction of a female correctional officer. The suspects, disguised as visitors aiding inmates, tried to kidnap her near Cathedral Junction but she escaped by raising an alarm.

“Amotekun personnel promptly rescued her and arrested the suspects. The fifth suspect paraded was charged with defrauding his employer of ₦77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.”

Adeleye, who emphasised that the state remained tough ground for criminals, noted that “There is no refuge for kidnappers or bandits here. No ransom was paid, and all victims received free medical treatment.”

While announcing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s approval to recruit 500 new Amotekun officers, the Amotekun boss disclosed that the interested candidates should apply online at www.ossnamot.com before December 8, 2025.

He noted that with the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters’ collaboration, Amotekun continued to strengthen security across the South-West region, ensuring the safety of communities, roads, and public spaces.