By Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, have rescued over 70 foreigners from a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in the state. Most of the victims were from Ghana and had been deceived with false promises of securing visas to Australia.
According to reports, the syndicate lured victims into Nigeria under the guise of helping them obtain travel documents. Upon arrival, they were held captive and forced to pay between $1,500 and $2,000. The kidnappers also demanded that each victim recruit new individuals before being granted freedom.
While parading the suspects at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the state commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the group was exposed after one of the victims managed to escape and alert security forces. The operation led to the arrest of a 28-member gang involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Adeleye explained, “We discovered that once the victims arrived, the suspects took their money, held them captive, and demanded they bring in more people to gain release. Our intelligence unit tracked them down, and we were able to rescue 28 Ghanaians and several others.”
One of the victims, Jeremiah Amoah, shared his harrowing experience. “I was told to come to Nigeria to finalize my travel documents. When I arrived in Akure, I was taken to a house where they collected my money and instructed me to deceive another person into coming before I could be freed. I managed to escape at midnight by jumping over a wall,” he recounted.
Authorities have assured the public that all those involved in the syndicate will face justice. The Amotekun Corps has also reaffirmed its commitment to fighting human trafficking and kidnapping in Ondo State.
