The Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has recorded a significant breakthrough by busting an interstate burglary syndicate and recovering electronic gadgets and other goods valued at over N300 million.
The Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the syndicate had operational bases in both Lagos and Ondo States. According to him, the syndicate’s field members carried out burglaries in homes and shops across Lagos, stealing phones and electronic devices which were then repackaged and transported to Ondo State for resale.
To avoid suspicion, the stolen items were neatly repackaged into cartons before being shipped. A member of the group in Ondo was responsible for distributing the goods to unsuspecting buyers.
The operation began to unravel when a commercial bus, boarded by one of the suspects from the Ojota Motor Park in Lagos, stopped for refueling. The unusual packaging of the goods aroused suspicion, prompting a deeper investigation. This led to the arrest of three more members of the group.
Among the recovered items were gadgets confirmed to belong to a licensed electronics dealer in Ondo State. Adeleye assured that the goods would be returned to the rightful owner once all court processes are completed.
Speaking to journalists, Adeleye said, “More than celebrating the arrest of criminals, we are celebrating the recovery of life and property. Our operations in the past week have led to a reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, and cult-related activities.”
On a related note, the Corps Commander revealed that two individuals were recently abducted along Itagbolu Road in Akure North Local Government Area. However, after combing the forests for 96 hours, Amotekun operatives successfully rescued them.
The kidnappers had initially contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of N50 million, but Adeleye confirmed that no ransom was paid.
“We advise residents not to pay ransom, and we are glad that most kidnap cases in the last two months have been resolved without payment,” he noted.
Among those paraded by the Amotekun Corps was a notorious local gang leader who had eluded arrest for six months. Another suspect, previously granted bail but who fled to Kano, was rearrested and brought back to Ondo State. Additionally, another suspect was found to be involved in repeated violent clashes with herders.