Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested 14 suspects linked to a range of crimes across the state, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, theft, illegal firearms possession and the vandalism of buildings under construction.

The suspects were paraded on Monday at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, the state capital, by the Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who said the breakthrough followed a joint operation involving other security agencies in the state.

Adeleye disclosed that one gang specialised in kidnapping and rustling cattle belonging to Fulani herdsmen in Ore, Ode-Aye, Ofosu and Omotosho, all in Odigbo Local Government Area. He said operatives moved decisively to arrest the ringleaders behind the theft of cows from three separate locations, along with buyers who purchased the stolen livestock at heavily discounted prices for resale across the state.

Two other suspects, identified only as Akinlolu and Akintimi, are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Among those paraded was a 30-year-old man identified as Jamiu, whom the Amotekun boss described as a specialist in stripping uncompleted buildings of electrical cables, plumbing fittings and other installations.

Another suspect, Olajide, was accused of stealing iron rods under the guise of joining legitimate scrap collectors, while a third, identified as Lomi Dada, was accused of stealing an iron rod used by a traditional ruler in Odigbo to access the palace premises, among other offences.

Adeleye also gave an update on a kidnapping case in Okeigbo Local Government Area, where a farming couple was abducted from their farm. He said nine operatives from Amotekun’s Special Squad responded to a distress call and, working alongside the Department of State Services, tracked the victims for about 72 hours through dense forest terrain, despite attempts by the kidnappers to mislead trackers with false location signals.

The operation ultimately led to the rescue of both victims deep in a reserve forest several kilometres from the crime scene, though the woman was found dead by the time she was reached, while her husband was rescued alive. Adeleye said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had personally directed that the rescue operation continue until the victims were found.

The Amotekun commander maintained that the latest arrests send a clear signal that criminals have no safe hiding place in Ondo State.