Members of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, commonly referred to as Amotekun, successfully thwarted a bank robbery and kidnapping attempt in Irele Local Government Area of the state. Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of the Corps, revealed this to reporters on Thursday at the security group’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital.
Presenting 36 other suspects for various crimes, Adeleye stated that a 7-member armed robbery gang had traveled from Sapele, Delta State, with intentions of carrying out kidnappings and bank robberies. He mentioned that while six of the robbers remained at large, the Amotekun operatives managed to apprehend the main instigator who harbored the criminals.
Adeleye elaborated, “We also uncovered the primary target of their kidnapping scheme, indicating that it was not solely a robbery operation but a dual one. Efforts are ongoing to capture the leader who fled to Delta State, and we are coordinating with relevant government and security agencies for assistance.”
According to the intelligence gathered, their plan included robbing three banks and abducting the Managing Director of a supermarket. Investigations revealed collaboration with a staff member of the supermarket who refused to participate.
Moreover, among the apprehended suspects are individuals skilled in vandalizing critical government infrastructure. They had attempted to steal pipes designated for a World Bank-funded water project using a trailer. However, our operatives intercepted them during the offloading process at a different location.
Adeleye appealed to residents to continue providing timely and actionable information to support the security network’s efforts. He assured the public of their commitment to safeguarding lives and properties, working collaboratively with other security agencies in the state.