operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, have successfully rescued eight kidnapped passengers in the volatile Akoko North axis of Ondo State. The operation, which unfolded along the Ase-Isua-Ishe-Iboropa-Ugbe axis—a notorious hotspot for criminal activities—marks another significant victory for the state’s homegrown security outfit in its ongoing battle against kidnapping and banditry in the region. The dramatic rescue, executed without the payment of any ransom, underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding Ondo State’s firm stance against negotiating with criminals.
The incident began when a distress call reached the Amotekun Corps, alerting them to a kidnapping in progress. According to Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the head of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, the operatives mobilized immediately, leveraging their strategic positioning and local knowledge to intercept the kidnappers. The criminals had targeted a group of travelers, including a 52-year-old driver named Samuel Okunola, who was among the victims. The kidnappers, operating in a forested area known for its dense cover and proximity to the Edo-Ondo boundary, likely believed they could evade capture. However, they underestimated the resolve and efficiency of the Amotekun team.
The rescue operation was carried out by a specialized mobile unit of the Amotekun Corps, which has been strategically stationed near the Edo-Ondo boundary to curb cross-border criminal activities. This unit, trained for rapid response and equipped to handle high-stakes situations, sprang into action, navigating the challenging terrain to confront the kidnappers. In a tense encounter, the operatives overpowered the criminals, freeing all eight hostages. Tragically, one of the victims, a driver, sustained machete wounds during the ordeal and was promptly rushed to a medical facility for treatment. Authorities have confirmed that the injured driver is receiving care and is expected to recover, thanks to the timely intervention.
Commander Adeleye, speaking to the press after the operation, emphasized the significance of the rescue, noting that it was achieved without any ransom payment—a policy that the Ondo State government has steadfastly maintained. “Our mandate is clear: we do not negotiate with criminals, and we will continue to pursue them relentlessly to ensure the safety of our people,” he stated. He also praised the mobile Amotekun unit for their professionalism and bravery, highlighting their critical role in securing the state’s borders and protecting residents from the growing menace of kidnapping.
The Akoko North axis, where the rescue took place, has long been a flashpoint for criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and armed robbery, due to its proximity to neighboring states and its dense forests, which provide cover for criminals. The Ase-Isua-Ishe-Iboropa-Ugbe axis, in particular, has gained notoriety as a corridor for such crimes, with travelers and locals frequently targeted by armed gangs. The success of this operation sends a strong message to would-be criminals that Amotekun is a formidable force in the region, capable of disrupting their activities and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The rescued passengers, who were visibly shaken but relieved, have been reunited with their families. Among them, Samuel Okunola, the 52-year-old driver, expressed gratitude to the Amotekun operatives for their swift response. “We thought we were gone for good,” he recounted. “But these brave men came for us, and we’re alive because of them.” His story, along with those of the other victims, highlights the human toll of kidnapping and the importance of security interventions like those carried out by Amotekun.
This operation adds to the growing list of successes for the Amotekun Corps, which was established in 2020 by the South-West states to address rising insecurity in the region. In Ondo State, the agency has become a vital component of the state’s security architecture, complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other federal agencies. The Corps’ deep knowledge of local terrain, coupled with its community-based approach, has made it particularly effective in tackling crimes like kidnapping, which often exploit rural and forested areas.
The rescue has also sparked renewed discussions about the need for sustained investment in regional security outfits like Amotekun. Residents of Akoko North and surrounding areas have long called for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities. The success of this operation is likely to bolster public confidence in the agency and reinforce calls for its continued funding and expansion. Commander Adeleye hinted at plans to further strengthen the Corps’ presence in high-risk areas, stating, “We are committed to making Ondo State a no-go zone for criminals. Our operations will only get more robust.”
As Ondo State continues to grapple with security challenges, the Amotekun Corps remains a beacon of hope for residents. The rescue of the eight kidnapped passengers is not just a victory for the operatives but a testament to the power of community-driven security initiatives. For now, the people of Akoko North can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Amotekun is on the frontlines, ready to protect and serve.
This daring rescue serves as a reminder of the courage and dedication of the Amotekun operatives, who risk their lives to ensure the safety of Ondo State’s residents. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between communities, security agencies, and the government in the fight against crime. As the state looks to the future, the Amotekun Corps will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in restoring peace and security to the region.
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