A notorious kidnapper, known as Terry Tinate Augustus, was arrested on December 8, 2024, in Ondo State for his alleged role in multiple high-profile kidnappings.
Augustus, who is also known by the nickname “Black”, was apprehended in Ilaje Local Government Area following a joint operation by the Amotekun Corps and the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security.
The arrest took place after crucial intelligence from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad led to the identification of Augustus as a key figure in a violent kidnapping syndicate.
“The operation was a success due to the cooperation between the security agencies and the intelligence shared by our Lagos counterparts,” said Engineer Alore Omosuyi, the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security.
Terry Augustus, originally from Ajapa in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, had been operating as a pastor, gaining trust in his community before his involvement in criminal activities.
“On December 8, 2024, our teams in Ilaje, with the help of the Special Assistant’s office, successfully arrested the notorious kidnapper known as ‘Black’,” said an official statement from the office of Engineer Omosuyi.
The arrest followed the capture of two members of Augustus’s gang, Promise Mafimisebi and Monday Ikuesan, in Lagos earlier in the week. Both men provided vital information about the syndicate’s activities, leading investigators directly to Augustus.
According to reports, Mafimisebi disclosed that the gang had recently received a ransom payment of $52,000 for the kidnapping of Isa Ososa, a wealthy businessman in Lagos.
This ransom amount was just one of many the gang had collected in recent months, using violent methods to target affluent individuals for abduction. They would often use stolen vehicles to quickly carry out their operations.
“The group is known for its quick abduction tactics, often operating in urban areas where wealthy people are vulnerable,” said a source close to the investigation.
The operation that led to Augustus’s arrest was carefully planned, with security teams ensuring that all routes were covered and that Augustus had no way of escaping.
“Thanks to the intelligence shared from Lagos and the collaboration between the various security agencies, we were able to move in quickly and make the arrest,” said a source within the Amotekun Corps.
The arrest of Augustus is seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping syndicates that have terrorized several parts of the country.
“It’s not just about taking down one criminal; it’s about dismantling a larger network that has been preying on innocent people for profit,” said Engineer Omosuyi in his statement.
In addition to his role in the recent kidnappings, Augustus was known for his connections to other criminals operating in the region. His arrest is expected to help authorities break up the wider gang and prevent further abductions.
Many residents of Ondo State were shocked by the news, as Augustus had previously been regarded as a pastor in his community. His arrest has raised serious questions about the influence and trust some criminals can gain by hiding behind religious titles.
Despite his criminal actions, Augustus was known to have a network of supporters in his home area of Ajapa. His arrest marks the end of a reign of terror that had stretched across Lagos, Ondo, and possibly other states.
The joint operation that led to Augustus’s capture was praised for its efficiency and professionalism. It showcased the growing strength of collaboration between security forces in the country.
“As we continue to combat crime, it is crucial that we work together, share information, and act quickly to dismantle these dangerous syndicates,” Omosuyi said, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in law enforcement.
This arrest is part of a broader initiative to crack down on the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria. Authorities are hopeful that the capture of a key figure like Augustus will lead to more arrests and the eventual dismantling of his criminal network.
The police have promised to continue working with other state security forces to tackle the growing threat posed by kidnapping gangs, which have become a major source of anxiety for Nigerian citizens.
“This is just the beginning,” said a police spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring that criminals like Augustus face the full consequences of their actions.”
As investigations continue, there are expectations that more suspects linked to Augustus’s syndicate will be arrested in the coming weeks. For now, however, the people of Ondo State can breathe a little easier knowing that one of the most dangerous kidnappers in the region has been taken off the streets.
