Amotekun Corps Busts Kidnap Syndicate, Rescues 70 Foreigners in Ondo

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, have successfully rescued over 70 foreign nationals, primarily from Ghana, who had been held captive by a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating within the state.

The victims were lured to Ondo State under the pretense of securing overseas visas, specifically for Australia, only to find themselves abducted and held for ransom. The Amotekun Corps carried out the rescue operation after receiving a tip-off from one of the victims who managed to escape after months in captivity.

The raid, which took place at Oda Road in the Akure South Local Government Area of the state, led to the arrest of the 28-man syndicate responsible for the kidnappings and human trafficking activities. Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the criminals had targeted victims from Ghana, convincing them they would help secure US and Australian visas. Upon arrival in Akure, the victims were forced to pay between $1,500 and $2,000, with the added condition that they would not be released unless they brought in new victims.

Adeleye further explained, “The syndicate specializes in kidnapping, human trafficking, and rustling. They invited unsuspecting members of the public with promises of help to procure US and Australian visas. Once they arrived in Akure, they collected money from the victims and held them captive. The only way they were allowed to leave was to bring in more people for the same fate.”

One of the victims, Jeremiah Amoah, shared his harrowing experience, explaining how he was convinced to travel to Nigeria with promises of a legitimate visa process. After paying for the service and arriving in Akure, he was kidnapped. Amoah managed to escape at night and eventually reached out to the Amotekun Corps, who successfully rescued the others.

He said, “I was asked to come to Nigeria to finalize my travel documents. When I arrived in Lagos, I was instructed to take a vehicle to Akure. In Akure, I was picked up by one of the agents and taken to their den. After they collected my money, I was told I had to bring in another person before I could be released. I managed to escape in the middle of the night when everyone was asleep. I jumped over the wall and was able to find help. The Amotekun Corps did a great job in rescuing us and arresting the suspects.”

The operation has brought relief to the victims, with over 70 people rescued, and highlights the ongoing efforts of the Amotekun Corps in combating criminal activities within the state. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.