Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have successfully rescued 28 Ghanaians who were kidnapped and held hostage by a 28-man criminal syndicate in the Oda area of Akure, the capital of Ondo State. The rescue operation also led to the recovery of N210,000 in ransom money from kidnappers who had abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of N10 million.
The Ghanaians, who were victims of a fraudulent visa scam, were lured to Akure under false pretenses. The syndicate, operating both locally and internationally, had promised the victims United States visas for a fee ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. However, upon their arrival in Akure, the victims were kidnapped, held captive, and forced to recruit others for the criminal network, marking a disturbing pattern of exploitation.
Amotekun’s prompt response led to the rescue of the 28 victims, who were reportedly used to lure other victims into the syndicate’s trap. The syndicate’s activities are believed to have defrauded thousands of people globally, with a Ghanaian national in Akure allegedly coordinating the operations, though he remains at large.
The rescue mission was part of Amotekun’s broader effort to combat the growing threat of kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in Ondo State. During a press briefing, Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of Ondo Amotekun, revealed that the operation was conducted as part of the newly launched “Operation Daadaa” by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. This operation is aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements by conducting coordinated raids in the forests of Ose, Akure North, and Akure South local government areas.
Adeleye praised the success of the operation, emphasizing the importance of the collaborative effort between security agencies in the state. He noted that the security situation in Ondo has improved under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, who remains committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors in the state. The success of the operation is expected to serve as a strong deterrent to criminal syndicates operating within the state.
The Amotekun commander provided insight into the syndicate’s modus operandi. He revealed that the criminals would target unsuspecting individuals, primarily from Ghana, offering them the promise of assistance with obtaining U.S. or Canadian visas. The victims were told that the only way to secure such visas was through Nigeria, and they were charged exorbitant fees, typically ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
Once the victims arrived in Lagos, they were picked up by agents of the syndicate and brought to Akure, where they were held hostage. The syndicate would seize their money and hold them captive, demanding more victims in exchange for their release. This cruel and exploitative method of trafficking people for ransom has raised serious concerns over the safety of foreigners coming into Nigeria under such fraudulent schemes.
Adeleye warned Nigerians, particularly the youth, to be cautious and avoid falling victim to similar scams. He urged them to be wary of deals that sound too good to be true, especially those promising jobs or visas abroad. The Amotekun commander also stressed that young people should consider legal and productive avenues for success, such as participating in the agricultural sector, which he described as a promising field for youth employment in the state.
During the press briefing, Adeleye took the opportunity to address broader security concerns within Ondo State. He urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those involving illegal forest settlements. The state government has made it clear that individuals occupying the forests illegally must seek and obtain government permission. This crackdown aims to eliminate illegal activities that take place in forests, which have been increasingly used by criminals as hideouts.
The Ondo State government has also taken strong action to curb the rising criminal activities associated with the use of motorcycles (Okadas). Starting immediately, a new ban has been imposed on the use of Okadas after 8 p.m. The measure is in response to the growing number of crimes, including kidnappings, robberies, and assaults, carried out by individuals using Okadas as a means of escape. Many of these riders, according to security agencies, are believed to be from outside Ondo State and have been linked to various criminal activities in the region.
Adeleye also pointed out the increasing problem of unlicensed vehicles being used for criminal activities in the state. Many of these vehicles carry fake number plates or fake dealer numbers, making it difficult for security agencies to trace the owners. To address this, the Ondo State government has given a one-week ultimatum to vehicle owners to regularize their vehicle documents. After this period, security agencies will take strict action against those who continue to operate without proper registration.
The new measures by Amotekun and the state government reflect a commitment to improving public safety and addressing the root causes of criminal activities. By targeting both the perpetrators of violent crimes and the illegal systems that support them, the government aims to restore peace to the region and send a strong message that Ondo State is not a haven for criminal elements.
The success of the Amotekun operation in rescuing the 28 Ghanaians and recovering ransom money is a positive development that demonstrates the effectiveness of the state’s security network. However, the task is far from over. With criminal syndicates operating across Nigeria and targeting both locals and foreigners, continued vigilance and coordinated efforts between the security agencies will be necessary to curb such illegal activities.
