Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, have successfully rescued eight kidnapped passengers following a swift and well-coordinated response to a distress call.
The rescue operation took place in the Akoko North axis of Ondo State, an area that has become increasingly prone to banditry and criminal activity in recent times.
According to Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the operation was carried out with precision and urgency after a distress alert was received from one of the kidnapped victims. He made this disclosure during a press briefing held at the Corps’ command headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Sunday, May 25, 2026.
The ambush occurred on a rural route between Ase and Isua, specifically in a region encompassing Ishe, Iboropa, and Ugbe—areas frequently identified as hotspots for kidnappings due to their remote terrain and limited security presence.
The attackers had targeted two commercial vehicles en route from Ibilo, a town in Edo State, to Ikare-Akoko, a major commercial center in Ondo State.
During the attack, one of the victims managed to discreetly contact the Amotekun distress helpline. Fortunately, a mobile unit of the Corps was stationed close to the Edo-Ondo boundary, near the Ibilo area.
The operatives swiftly mobilized and descended upon the scene of the incident, engaging the kidnappers in a tense standoff that ultimately forced the criminals to flee into the bush.
The operation culminated in the safe recovery of eight hostages, including the driver of one of the vehicles, 52-year-old Samuel Okunola. Other rescued passengers were identified by their first names or surnames as Alausa, Kasali, Paul, Sani, and Moses.
The driver of the second vehicle, whose name was not disclosed, suffered machete wounds during the attack and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility. Additionally, six other passengers, who sustained minor injuries, were rescued from the surrounding forested area.
Commander Adeleye commended the bravery of the rescued passengers and the prompt response by the Amotekun Corps, attributing the success of the mission to the state government’s investment in rapid response infrastructure and intelligence gathering.
In his address, Adeleye issued a strong warning to residents of rural areas, particularly farmers, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially the presence of armed herders. He emphasized that the Ondo State government prohibits the use of firearms for cattle rearing, stating:
“The Ondo State government does not permit anyone to use firearms while rearing cows. If you see anyone doing so, report immediately. They are not invisible; people see them every day. The Amotekun Corps can respond within three minutes anywhere in the state.”
He also reiterated that the state maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward ransom payments, underlining that all eight rescued victims were freed without paying any ransom.
“Ondo State has said no to kidnapping for ransom,” Adeleye declared.
Narrating his traumatic experience, Samuel Okunola, the rescued driver, expressed profound gratitude to Amotekun and the Ondo State government. He described the moment the kidnappers struck and how their hope was rekindled by the swift intervention of security operatives:
“We were on our way from Ibilo when they attacked us. Thank God Amotekun was close by. They came immediately, and no ransom was paid. They chased the kidnappers away. We thank God and His Excellency for supporting Amotekun.”
The latest rescue underscores the growing role of Amotekun in addressing insecurity in the southwestern region of Nigeria, especially as the country continues to grapple with widespread kidnappings and violent crimes.