Massive Security Crackdown: Amotekun Arrests 95 Suspects for Kidnapping and Illegal Mining in Ondo

 

​The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has recorded a major victory in its ongoing battle against criminality. In a sweeping statewide operation concluded on February 15, 2026, the corps announced the arrest of 95 suspects allegedly involved in a wide range of high-level crimes, including kidnapping, burglary, and illegal mining. This massive haul is the result of weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and joint security efforts aimed at restoring peace to the "Sunshine State."

​The "Beans Truck" Interception: A Shocking Discovery

​One of the most dramatic highlights of this security breakthrough was the interception of a trailer truck ostensibly conveying bags of beans. However, upon a thorough search by Amotekun operatives, 61 suspects were found hidden beneath the cargo.

​According to the State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the truck was intercepted as it was allegedly dropping off these individuals at various flashpoints within the Akure North Local Government Area. This specific axis—encompassing Ilu-Abo, Ayede-Ogbese, and Iloro Camp—has recently been notorious for kidnapping and violent attacks. The suspects are currently undergoing rigorous profiling to determine their missions and connections to local banditry cells.

​Breakdown of the 95 Arrests: Kidnapping to Illegal Mining

​Commander Adeleye provided a detailed breakdown of the 95 individuals currently in custody. While 61 are being profiled following the truck interception, 34 others were paraded at the corps headquarters in Akure for specific, verified offenses:

• ​Kidnapping Syndicates: 12 suspects were linked directly to kidnapping cases. Notable names include Victor (31), Jonathan (34), and Akpan (35). Some of these individuals were arrested near the Akure Airport axis, a zone that has seen a spike in ransom-related abductions.
• ​Illegal Mining and Attempted Murder: In the Inyeomah and Elegbeka axes, suspects identified as Usman, Abubakar, and Aruna were apprehended. They were allegedly involved in illegal gold mining and were reported to have threatened landowners with "carnivorous animals" to secure their illegal sites.
• ​Anti-Grazing Violations: Three suspects, including Umai Jibril and Hassan, were arrested for breaching the state’s anti-open grazing laws, which have been a point of friction between farmers and herders.
• ​Burglary and Stealing: A syndicate specializing in the theft of industrial items—including air conditioners, roofing sheets, and generators—was also dismantled, with suspects like Morenikeji and Hakeem arrested in Owo and Ijoka.

​Joint Operations and Local Peace

​The success of this operation was not achieved in isolation. Commander Adeleye emphasized that the "concerted efforts" involved a synergy between the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC (Civil Defence), the DSS, and the Nigerian Army. This inter-agency cooperation has become a cornerstone of the 2026 security strategy in the South-West.

​The Commander expressed optimism that these arrests would significantly douse the tension in Akure North. "The good news is that some of the kidnapping-related suspects were arrested in the restive Akure North area," Adeleye stated. "We believe this will translate to immediate peace for the residents and travelers along those routes."

​Strengthening the Frontiers

​To ensure these gains are not lost, the Amotekun Corps has established two new static posts within the forests of Ilu-Abo and increased patrols along major highways. The agency also addressed recent misinformation, clarifying that while security threats exist, there was no "invasion" of the state capital, but rather proactive interceptions of suspicious movements.

​As the 61 truck-bound suspects continue to face interrogation, the Ondo State government has reiterated its "zero-tolerance" policy toward any form of criminality that threatens the economic and social stability of the state.