Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested 99 suspects across the state, including a drug peddler allegedly working as an informant for kidnappers.

The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated statewide security operation targeting kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, drug traffickers and other criminal groups.

Parading the suspects, the Corps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said some of those arrested disguised themselves as mentally unstable individuals to avoid detection while allegedly carrying out kidnappings and robberies.

He explained that intelligence-led surveillance revealed that several suspects were using secluded locations to change clothes, charge phones and coordinate criminal activities before being tracked and arrested.

According to him, out of the 99 suspects, 60 have already been charged to court, 38 cases were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution, while 13 remain under investigation. He also noted that 10 suspects were caught either during attempted kidnappings or at crime scenes.

Adeleye further disclosed that Amotekun operatives rescued a kidnapped couple, Mr. and Mrs. Sanusi Kehinde, in Ilu-Abo community in Akure North Local Government Area without payment of ransom.

He said the rescue followed a swift response to distress calls, which led operatives into nearby forests where the victims were located and safely recovered.

The couple reportedly regained freedom after being abducted at their residence shortly after returning home in the evening, when armed men ambushed and dragged them into the forest.

Speaking on their ordeal, Mr. Kehinde said the attackers struck unexpectedly and subjected them to severe assault, adding that they sustained injuries during the incident.

He, however, praised the rapid intervention of Amotekun operatives, noting that his wife was rescued within minutes of the abduction and describing the response as swift and effective.

Adeleye attributed the rising cases of kidnapping and related crimes in the state to movements of criminal elements fleeing from northern parts of the country.

He assured residents that Ondo State remains safe, adding that security agencies, including the military, police, DSS and NSCDC, are conducting joint operations in forested areas to flush out criminals.

The commander also urged residents to provide timely and credible intelligence, assuring that all information would be treated with confidentiality to strengthen ongoing security operations.