Ondo: Joint Operation Of Security Agencies Rescue Abducted Travelers

By Ayodele Oni

A joint operation involving men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC) and the Amotekun Corps has rescued the 16 passengers abducted in Akoko area of Ondo state last week.

Commander of the Western Nigeria Security Network (NSNW) codenamed Amotekun Corps, Ondo State Command,  Adetunji Adeleye  described the rescue of the  abducted passengers in Akoko axis of the State as another great achievement of the Corps.

Adetunji Adeleye who doubles as Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, made this known on Wednesday, while parading some 17 suspected criminals at the Command’s Headquarters in Akure.

According to him, more cheering about the abducted victims, was the fact that they were rescued without paying any ransom, adding that their littered properties have been handed over to them and reunited with their families.

“We had a very serious kidnap issue involving about 18 people in Ose and Arimogija axis and we were also able to apprehend some of the culprits who have been identified.

“There was a joint operation involving men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, the Nigeria Police, the NSCDC and the Amotekun Corps.

“This involves an 18-passenger bus and to the glory of God, we were also able, without payment of any ransom, secure the release of 16 victims and most of their properties that were littered, were put together and delivered to them and have since, reunited with their families.

He thanked God for rescuing the victims unhurt and for safely ensuring that they have all united with their family members.

Among the paraded suspects were; armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists, a group that specialize in snatching and dismantling motorcycles among others.

“Today, we have 17 criminals or suspected criminals and we have begun investigation to ascertain criminal offences in which they have committed.

“Findings have shown, that there has been decline in criminal activities, especially those that have to do with neighborhood like housebreaking, stealing among others within the state in the last one month.

“We have an unusual increase of influx of herdsmen into our communities and most of the time, it goes with kidnapping.

“Just yesterday, we got a distress call from a community in Akure, that two of their members were whisked away and within few minutes, we got there, cordoned off the area, rescued them and arrested one of the kidnappers who confessed that other four gun-wielding members have fled to the southern part of the country.

“We also have some suspected armed robbers and cultists and we have a group that specializes in dismantling stolen Okada and sell to another group resident in Osogbo.

“In collaboration with the Amotekun Corps in Osun State, we were able to arrest the kingpin who took us to the receiver in Akure.

“I want to thank members of the public for feeding us with timely information and we assure, that information given before and now will continue to be treated in the strictest confidence.”

He commended members of the public for their support and determination to join security agencies in their quests to rid the society of criminal elements.

“This is why we say Ondo State is not a place where criminals and criminal activities can thrive. To the criminals, exit Ondo State, there is no hiding place for you here.”