Amotekun Nabs 21 Illegal Immigrants, 32 Others in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, apprehended 53 individuals implicated in various criminal acts such as kidnapping, murder, cultism, robbery, rape, and suspected illegal immigration throughout the state. Commander Adetunji Adeleye presented this announcement on Monday during a parade of the suspects in Akure.

He announced that these arrests were part of the corps' achievements over the past two weeks, following enhanced intelligence gathering and coordinated operations in several locations across the state. In addition to these arrests, the corps rescued two kidnapped victims in Akoko after a joint operation with local Fulani farmers and herders.

One of the victims suffered severe injuries during the rescue, and the corps provided medical attention to him. Among the arrested individuals, one was found wearing military attire, indicating involvement in criminal activities. The commander expressed gratitude towards community members who had refused to join the ranks of criminal groups, urging others to continue providing valuable information to security agencies.

Specifically, the corps detained four members of a suspected self-kidnapping syndicate in Akure North, following a false social media report of a kidnapping. Further investigation revealed that the individual who reported the alleged kidnapping was actually an accomplice who led the operatives to the supposed victim's house. Moreover, four suspects linked to kidnapping incidents in the Osi/Igboba area of Akure North were apprehended, as well as four suspects arrested in Ogbese for conspiracy and kidnapping.

The corps also detained three suspects involved in alleged murder, cultism, and conspiracy around Ode-Aye and Okitipupa. Additionally, one suspect was apprehended in Odode-Idanre for impersonation, and another was arrested in the Ode-Aye/Okitipupa area for suspected cattle rustling. The commander also revealed that the corps disrupted an alleged multimillion-naira diesel theft operation involving a construction firm/quarry along the Ondo Road in Akure.

Three suspects, James (35), Dayo (38), and Tomisin (41), were identified as major suspects in the diesel theft case, while another individual, Ganius, was arrested in connection with a stolen Golf vehicle found within Akure. Furthermore, the corps recovered a stolen Tiger generator, a TVS motorcycle, aluminum products, household equipment, and suspected stolen church electronic equipment, along with several suspects arrested for various offenses.

Concerning the issue of foreigners residing in the state, Adeleye expressed worry over the increasing presence of suspected illegal immigrants operating under various pretenses, particularly in Owo. He announced the arrest of 21 foreigners who allegedly rented two apartments in Owo under the guise of seeking employment as menial laborers and phone repair technicians, stating that they lacked the necessary ECOWAS documentation.

Adeleye warned landlords against renting properties to individuals without verifying their identities and documentation, emphasizing that those who knowingly assist criminal elements could also face legal repercussions.