Amotekun Foils Visa Kidnappers, Frees 72 in Ondo

by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | crime, crimes, government, nigeria, police and law enforcement

AKURE

A group of 28 individuals who engage in scams targeting people looking to emigrate for better opportunities has been dismantled by the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps.

Led by a Ghanaian, the syndicate attracts the majority of its victims from Ghana by promising them secure visas to travel to the United States (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia.

The testimonies of the victims indicated that the syndicate had amassed more than $144 USD (₦216 million) from those they defrauded.

While recounting his experience, Jeremiah Amoah received communication from the leader of the syndicate—a Ghanaian based in Nigeria—who offered assistance in securing a visa for Australia.

He revealed that he had been requested to visit Nigeria. Upon arriving in Lagos, he was instructed to use public transportation to reach Akure, which is the state capital of Ondo State.

Upon reaching Akure, he was instructed to ride a commercial motorcycle to Oda town, where the group linked him up with others.

As per Jeremiah, once they stepped into the house, they promptly gathered $2,000 from him.

He eventually realized that he had been deceived when he learned about the plan to replace him with someone else from Ghana in order for him to gain freedom from the camp.

He revealed that he spotted 72 individuals along with several others who were being held hostage inside the building.

However, Jeremiah climbed over the compound’s wall and managed to flee.

After reaching out to his sibling in Ghana who listened to his harrowing experience, his brother then got in touch with his buddy from Nigeria.

The friend reached out to the Amotekun Corps, who promptly intervened and apprehended every individual in the premises.

Eight months prior, Jeremiah’s first brother reached the camp, followed by his second brother arriving three months ago and his third brother coming one and a half months back.

The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the individuals displayed as criminal suspects were apprehended over the past fortnight through collaborative efforts in the forested areas by various security agencies within the state.

He stated: “You know that the government of Ondo State, led competently by Dr. Lucky Aiyeditiwa, established a panel and a task force recently to address the growing security concerns within the state.”

This led to our code-named mission: Operation Daadaa. Security personnel from various units across Ondo State—such as the Amotekun Corps, the Police, the Army, and the Civil Defence—conducted extensive operations in areas like Alagada, Ago Ademekun, Ago Oyinbo Forest. These efforts were also directed towards Ose and Owo Local Government Areas, along with both Akure North and South Local Government Areas within Ondo State.

Today, we are marching with 61 suspected individuals. These suspects were apprehended due to multiple offenses occurring throughout the state. Regarding the matter of kidnappings, we have included both the victims and the detained perpetrators; these parties mutually recognized one another.

We also managed to dismantle a group of 28 individuals who specialize in abduction, human trafficking, and cattle theft.

They lure unwitting members of the public whom they claim can assist with obtaining U.S. visas. There are 28 Ghanaians who were lured to Akure; upon their arrival, these individuals are extorted for varying amounts—some pay $2,000, others $1,500—and then get kidnapped and held captive in Oda.

The sole condition for them leaving this location is to provide another group as replacements. The Eagle Eye unit from the Intelligence Division of the Amotekun Corps managed to locate them, and currently, we have 28 individuals with us. Additionally, some of these people have been rescued by the Corps and reunited with their families.

In the Owo Local Government Area, we managed to save a family of five from kidnappers without demanding any ransom. Similarly, another family of four was rescued under the same circumstances. These families are present as well, and not even one kobo was paid as ransom.

The only funds recovered from the Idanre group amounted to ₦210,000, which was what they had on them during negotiations for an exchange of £10 million. However, thanks to our intelligence network, we launched operations in the forest where they were being held, successfully rescuing them unharmed.

We also apprehended several individuals for cattle theft and breaching the anti-grazing regulations.

In particular, we have had Sylvester under surveillance as a potential kidnapper and he was apprehended at the old garage in Akure.

We also had Olaoluwa Akinmuyi and Anthony detained for comparable crimes. Additionally, Blessing Imafidon was apprehended in Araromi, Akure, charged with attempting murder. Furthermore, several individuals involved in cult activities were seized with weapons; these include Abdullahi Suberu and Abiodun Edward, who were caught in Owo and Ikare respectively.

“Also, under these two weeks under review with the Amotekun Rangers and Operation Daadaa, in collaboration with other security agencies, we arrested a group in the far Arimogija boundary of the Ondo/Edo that were dismantling critical Federal Government assets in terms of aluminum conductors and wires. This brings to a total of 61 suspected criminals.

Consequently, during Operation Daadaa, the armored rangers continue their efforts unceasingly within the forest regions. Meanwhile, officials from all 18 local government areas have been placed on high alert to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.

We continue to uphold our commitment to guaranteeing the safety of lives and property in Ondo State.

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