Security operatives free a teacher, pastor and six others without ransom after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Akure North

Ondo State’s security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has rescued eight persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in communities within Akure North Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation that led operatives to a forest hideout used by the criminals.

The rescue operation, carried out by personnel of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, secured the freedom of all eight victims, including a teacher and a pastor, without the payment of any ransom.

The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed the development on Thursday at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime in the state.

According to Adeleye, the rescue mission was launched after intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts enabled operatives to trace the kidnappers to their location deep inside a forest.

The commander said security personnel engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle upon arrival at the hideout.

“Following the exchange of fire, the criminals were forced to flee, enabling the security operatives to secure the release of all eight victims,” Adeleye said.

He stressed that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom, despite reports that the kidnappers had demanded money from their families.

“Not a kobo was paid as ransom. Through technology, intelligence gathering, and strategic operations, we were able to locate the kidnappers deep inside the forest and secure the release of all the victims professionally without causing harm to them,” he added.

The successful operation comes amid ongoing concerns over kidnapping incidents in parts of Ondo State and the wider South-West region, where security agencies have intensified efforts to combat criminal activities in forests and remote communities.

Adeleye commended the Amotekun operatives who participated in the mission, describing their actions as courageous and professional.

He disclosed that efforts were continuing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects who escaped during the confrontation.

As a secondary highlight, the rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, bringing relief to relatives who had been anxiously awaiting their release.

The commander also revealed that additional security measures had been deployed in the affected communities to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.

The Ondo State Government established Amotekun in 2020 alongside other South-West states as part of a regional security initiative aimed at supporting conventional security agencies in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other criminal activities.

Since its creation, the corps has participated in numerous rescue operations and anti-crime campaigns across the state, often working in collaboration with the police and other security agencies.

The latest rescue operation underscores the growing reliance on intelligence-led security strategies and technological tools in combating kidnapping networks operating within forested areas.

Residents of Akure North and neighbouring communities have repeatedly called for stronger security presence following a series of abductions and attacks in recent years.

With the victims safely released and efforts underway to apprehend the suspects, authorities say the focus remains on dismantling criminal hideouts and strengthening security across vulnerable communities in Ondo State.