Sam Philip
No fewer than five kidnap attempts were successfully foiled by the Southwest Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps in Ondo State .
The formation also rescued nine abductees in the process.
Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Thursday while parading 20 crime suspects at the headquarters of the formation at Alagbaka, Akure.
He disclosed that the Amotekun Rangers, a unit of the formation monitoring the forest reserves in the state, foiled the attempts while combing the forests.
Adeleye revealed that the Amotekun Rangers had stormed the Elegbeka axis, an area notorious for criminal activities, and flushed out criminals hiding in the forests to perpetrate crimes.
He said: “In the next few weeks, we are going to dominate the Ala, Ago Oyinbo, Ogbese, Jugbere, and Ifon forests,” Adeleye continued, expressing confidence that Amotekun’s proactive efforts would bring respite to communities previously plagued by insecurity.
“A 28-year-old kidnapping suspect, identified as Usman Abubakar, was arrested in Igbo-Oba, Owo during one of the operations. The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing interrogation.
“We have one suspect. He admitted to collecting N2 million from the victim and explained how they shared it, as well as how it reached their godfathers.”
However, the Corps Commander warned the people to be cautious of buying secondhand items.
He said: “May I please sound this note of warning, do not buy second-hand products without collecting the original, verifiable receipt of purchase.
“Due to the economic downturn, a lot of economic crimes are taking place. Please do not fall prey to these criminals.”