The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 24 people in connection with various criminal activities.

These activities include kidnapping, armed robbery, motorcycle theft, conspiracy and cable theft, illegal migration, possession of firearms, and malicious damage.

The state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, announced the arrests on Wednesday. He said, “We arrested and paraded 24 suspects. We are pleased to report that the security situation in the state is very stable. Law and order are being maintained, political activities continue without disruption, and the anti-open grazing law is being enforced.”

Adeleye added, “Since the last incident, there have been no serious conflicts between farmers and herders. Human trafficking has decreased, and issues of cultism and militancy have nearly disappeared. Kidnapping activities are mainly confined to the borders and are being addressed. There are no significant problems related to terrorism, land, or chieftaincy disputes. Students’ activities are ongoing without crisis, and there are no current labour union issues.”

In a recent operation, the Amotekun Corps rescued a student, Bisola Olisa, who was kidnapped by bandits along the Ikare-Ado Ekiti Expressway.

Adeleye explained that Bisola, 32, was abducted with three others in the Supare area of Akoko South-West Local Government Area. She was rescued by a combined team of Amotekun and other security agents. Two of the kidnappers have been arrested.

“Regarding the recent kidnapping case in Supare, which recorded one fatality and four victims being taken into the bush, the corps responded immediately in collaboration with other security agencies,” Adeleye said. “We apprehended two suspects, one of whom is here, and we are confident that we will secure the release of the remaining victims.”

The commander assured that the suspects would be profiled, and those who needed to go to court would be taken to court. The corps would explore other means to ensure justice for the rightful owners of the stolen items.

Narrating her ordeal, Bisola Olisa said, “I was coming from Ikare, heading to Ekiti. On getting to Akungba, I boarded a vehicle from the garage; there were seven of us in the vehicle. At a certain spot, we started hearing gunshots from the bandits. So, they stopped us immediately. A passenger beside me was shot dead, and they marched us into the bush. Some passengers were injured.”

She continued, “The kidnappers were many on the road, but as we moved into the bush, four of them led us, all carrying guns. We trekked throughout the night until the next morning when we reached a mountain where we sat down. They asked us to lie down, and the three of us obeyed for about 30 minutes. I realized they were no longer talking. I peeped to check if they were sleeping but saw only one of them; the other gang members were gone.”

Bisola described her escape, saying, “I told them that I needed to defecate, that was how I escaped. On reaching the main road, I saw the Amotekun Corps, and they rescued me and took me to their station.”

The rescue operation and the arrests demonstrate the commitment of the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies to maintaining safety and order in Ondo State.