Amotekun Rescues Five Kidnap Victims in Ondo Without Paying N150 Million Ransom

 

In a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Ondo State, operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, have successfully rescued five individuals who were abducted by kidnappers. The dramatic rescue operations took place in different parts of the state and were carried out without paying the N150 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Akure, the state capital, the Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed key details about the operations. According to him, the five victims were rescued on two different days — May 6 and May 10 — thanks to intensified security measures and recent directives to security agencies to enter deep into forest areas in search of criminal hideouts.

Adeleye said the swift response and intelligence gathering by the Amotekun Corps played a crucial role in the success of the rescue missions.

“The four victims were kidnapped by four men, but within a few minutes of the occurrence, our distress line was called and we mobilised men to enter the forest,” he stated.

He explained that four of the victims were abducted on May 10 along the Lagos-Ore Expressway, specifically at a location called Iromeh. The kidnappers had demanded a whopping N100 million ransom for their release. However, Amotekun operatives, responding quickly to a distress call, launched a tactical mission into the forest and rescued the victims without any ransom being paid.

In a separate incident that happened a few days earlier, on May 6, another victim was kidnapped on the Ikare-Owo Road. Adeleye confirmed that this particular victim suffered machete cuts at the hands of the kidnappers, who were demanding a N50 million ransom. Despite his injuries, Amotekun operatives were able to rescue him without paying even a single kobo.

“The fifth victim was kidnapped on Ikare-Owo Road on May 6th, but was rescued without paying one kobo despite the machete cuts inflicted on him. His kidnappers demanded N50 million,” Adeleye explained.

“He is receiving attention at our medical facility. We acted on credible intelligence and we assure the people that we will act promptly and treat any information in strict confidence.”

Adeleye used the opportunity to assure residents of Ondo State that Amotekun remains committed to the safety of lives and property in the state. He noted that officers and rangers of the Corps are on 24-hour patrol across the state and inside the forests, staying vigilant and ready to act on any credible information they receive from the public.

“Officers and men of Amotekun are already on 24-hour patrols, while our rangers are already in the forest to ensure prompt response to any credible information,” he said.

“The Ondo State Government is doing everything to ensure the safety of lives and properties of its residents. We are committed to ensuring zero tolerance to crime, kidnapping and armed robbery.”

The recent success by Amotekun highlights the growing effectiveness of local security outfits and the importance of community involvement. Residents are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and sharing relevant intelligence.