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Tag: Amotekun

  • Six injured as police, Amotekun Corps clash in Ondo

    Six injured as police, Amotekun Corps clash in Ondo

    Six persons were injured yesterday during a clash between men of the Ondo State Police Command and Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps in Akure, the state capital, over the arrest of a suspect, who stole a church property at Ijoka.

    Trouble started over an argument on whose outfit should take the suspect into custody.

    They said Amotekun men first took the police but the police reinforced and took the suspect and exhibits.

    Ondo Police spokesman, Alayande Olushola, in a statement, said two police officers deployed to arrest the suspect were the first to arrive the crime scene.

    “However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando like-manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, injuring a police officer.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill Osun Amotekun operative in ambush, colleague missing

    “Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, directed tactical commanders to recover the suspect and the exhibits.

    “Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

    “However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies,” he said.

    Some injured Amotekun Corps officers, who spoke on anonymity, said their walkie talkies were collected, adding that many deaths would have been recorded if they had retaliated.

  • Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    A violent clash between the Ondo State Police Command and operatives of the Amotekun Corps has left six people injured in Akure, the state capital. 

    The confrontation erupted over the custody of a suspect accused of stealing property from a church near the Sunday Bus Stop, Ijoka.

    Witnesses reported that both security units engaged in sporadic shooting, causing panic among residents. 

    The dispute allegedly stemmed from an argument over which outfit would detain the suspect. While Amotekun operatives initially took charge, the police later reinforced and forcibly took possession of both the suspect and the exhibits. 

    Ondo police spokesman, Alayande Olushola, confirmed that two officers from the command were the first to arrive at the crime scene before tensions escalated.

    According to him, “It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.

    Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.

    “Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

    “However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

    Some injured Amotekun officers, who spoke on anonymity, said their walkie-talkies were collected.

    They said many deaths would have been recorded if they had retaliated.

  • Amotekun member killed

    Amotekun member killed

    A member of Osun State Security Network codenamed Amotekun, Lamidi Abiodun, has been killed in an ambush by gunmen as his other colleague went missing in Iwo town.

    It was learnt that during the ambush on Wednesday, Alex Sola and a member of the vigilante group went missing.

    Public Relations Officer of the outfit, Yusuf Abass, said:  “The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilised to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

    “Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region.’’

    Read Also: Kidnapping: Amotekun arrests 750 suspects in Ondo

    He continued: “During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene.

    “While most of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot on the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.

  • Gunmen kill Osun Amotekun operative in ambush, colleague missing

    Gunmen kill Osun Amotekun operative in ambush, colleague missing

    A corps of Osun State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Lamidi Abiodun has been killed in an ambush by gunmen. His colleague was also missing in Iwo town. 

    The Nation learnt during the ambush on Wednesday, one Alex Sola and a member of Vigilante group went missing. 

    Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the outfit, Yusuf Abass, said: “The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilised to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

    “Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region.

    Read Also: Nigeria sustains polio drive amid vaccine-derived risk, says WHO

     “During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene.

    “While most of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot on the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.

    “The incident has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo, and the body of the fallen hero has been deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.”

  • Kidnapping: Amotekun arrests 750 suspects in Ondo

    Kidnapping: Amotekun arrests 750 suspects in Ondo

    The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested over 750 suspects across the state between January and April 2025.

    It said 175 of the suspects have been profiled and arraigned before the court of law.

    Other suspects, according to Ondo Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, were undergoing investigation.

    Adeleye cautioned residents in the state to be cautious of scavengers, saying an investigation showed the scavengers acted as spies for bandits and kidnappers.

    He said the state government was working on stopping the activities of scavengers in the state.

    The Ondo Amotekun Commander spoke when he paraded 32 suspects arrested for various crimes ranging from kidnappings, vandalism, armed robbery, rape and murder.

    Among those arrested were 13 suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of high-profile individuals in the state.

    Adeleye said 180 cultists were arrested, out of which 80 cultists were asked to renounce cultism, while some were convicted.

    He said the recently launched Operation Dada by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa helped to stem rising kidnapping incidents and attacks on farmers by kidnappers.

    Adeleye said security has been beefed up at many border communities to prevent any attack by suspected herders.

    He stated that the Corps received over 500 distress calls within the period under review and responded appropriately.

    Read Also: Amotekun apprehends robbery suspect after escape from police custody

    According to him, “The state government is working on banning activities of scavengers. Many of them have been discovered to be working for bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers.

    “Credible information provided led to the interception of 114 persons who were planning to stay in our forest. They have been sent back to their various states.

    “We successfully returned the $5000 recovered from a syndicate that specialized in defrauding unsuspecting persons from Ghana.

    “A total of 28 Ghanaians were among several victims of the scam and they have been advised to return to their country.

  • Amotekun apprehends robbery suspect after escape from police custody

    Amotekun apprehends robbery suspect after escape from police custody

    The Osun State Amotekun Corps on Friday arrested a 26-year-old serial offender, John Uba, who escaped from police custody during a robbery incident in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Speaking to journalists at the Amotekun Corps headquarters in Osogbo, the Corps Commandant, Adekunle Omoyele, revealed that Uba was apprehended after he robbed residents in the Fiwasaye area, carting away phones and other valuables.

    He explained that the arrest took place around midnight on Thursday following a distress call from residents who reported an ongoing robbery in the area. 

    Read Also: Three NDLEA officers injured, hospitalised in Abuja raid attack

    His words: “Further investigation revealed that the suspect had previously escaped from the Ota-Efun Division of the Nigeria Police Force. 

    “He also confessed to being a repeat offender. The suspect has since been handed over to the Ota-Efun Police Division for further investigation and prosecution”. 

    Also, the corps paraded one Aderemi Sheriff, 28, who was arrested for stealing electrical cable valued over N5 million at Hammed Omidiran University area in Osogbo. 

    The suspect, an ex-convict, who confessed to the crime, said he was lured to it after his marijuana business crashed. 

    Omoyele further revealed that the suspect was a member of the armed gang that attacked a steel rolling company last year, engaging Amotekun operatives in a shootout before fleeing the scene.

    He stated that the suspect would be charged to court in due time.

    Also paraded were three other suspects apprehended at a residential building in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Osogbo, after allegedly breaking in to steal a pumping machine and other items.

    The suspects — Idowu Tajudeen, 27, Bamanga Joffrey, 24, and Femi Adeniyi, 22 — were arrested at the scene of the crime on Friday and will also face prosecution.

  • Family protests alleged death of bread winner in Amotekun custody

    Family protests alleged death of bread winner in Amotekun custody

    The family of Monday Joseph has demanded probe into the death of their bread winner shortly after he was arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps.

    Joseph was said to have been arrested in Owo, Owo local government area and died within 48 hours.

    His remains had been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.

    Sister of the deceased, Veronica, who led the protesters, said they want the police to take over the investigation and conduct autopsy to determine how her brother died.

    She said she was refused entry into Amotekun office in Owo after her brother was arrested until she was informed that he has died.

    According to her: “My name is Joseph Veronica. I am here because I want Nigerians to help to find out the cause of my brothers’ death. They killed him just like that. I heard he was arrested on Sunday, March 30th. I went there and they did allow me to see him.

    “Nigerians should fight for me. He was a farmer. He had a child and our mother is still alive. I don’t know why he was arrested. He was arrested at the residence of his girlfriend. They didn’t allow me to see him. I was told he was beaten seriously on Sunday and on Monday he was said to have died.

    “I saw his corpse on Tuesday. The mortuary attendant said it was Amotekun officer that brought the body. He was the breadwinner of our family We hail from Delta State. He was born and brought up in Ondo State.”

     Counsel to the family, Ibukun Fasanmi, said he has written letters to the Police and the Department of State Security Services (DSS) on the need to take over investigation on the issue.

    Ibukun called on the authorities to investigate Amotekun officers and made to face the full weight of the law if found culpable.

    Read Also: Amotekun rescues 28 Ghanaians, recovers ransom

    “We humbly urge you to use your good offices to investigate this matter in view of the fact that Ondo State Security Network Agency (codenamed Amotekun Corps) is a creation of the law and its officer cannot be above the law or breach the provisions of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    “The news of his death has filtered into town and several aggrieved person are threatening violence albeit unconfirmed as at the time of filing this petition. 

    “The action of the officer Lati and his men, hitherto, is criminal and unconstitutional; and if left unchecked by law enforcement agents, like the Police, may cascade into a serious crisis that may be uncontrollable in view of the aggrieved friends and lovers of Joseph who are at the verge adopting self-help which we strongly oppose.”

    Commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said Joseph was never tortured.

    Adeleye said he took ill while in custody and was rushed to the hospital where he died.

    “Nobody tortured him. He was arrested for cult related activities. He took ill while in detention. He was rushed to the hospital where he died,” he stressed. 

  • Amotekun rescues 28 Ghanaians, recovers ransom

    Amotekun rescues 28 Ghanaians, recovers ransom

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps have rescued 28 Ghanaians kidnapped and held at the Oda area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    The Ghanaians were lured to Akure by a 28-man syndicate under the false pretense of procuring United States of America visa for them after paying between $1,500 and $2,000.

    Upon arrival, they were kidnapped and held hostage by the syndicate until they lured another victim.

    The Ondo Amotekun operatives also recovered N210,000 from kidnappers who abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of N10m.

    Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, spoke at a press briefing while parading 61 suspects arrested for kidnapping, cultism, vandalism and anti-open grazing.

    Adeleye said the recently launched Operation Daadaa by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa conducted coordinated operations in forests at Ose, Akure North, and Akure South local government areas leading to release of kidnapped victims.

    According to the Amotekun boss: “My advice to young men, please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek for greener pastures abroad. These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people, and it’s an international syndicate being coordinated by a Ghanaian resident in Akure, though at large. 

    “The syndicate operates by calling unsuspecting individuals in foreign countries, offering assistance with U.S. or Canadian visa processing for a fee of $1,500 – $5,000. They also promise jobs, claiming that the only route is through Nigeria. Upon arrival in Lagos, agents pick them up, bring them to Akure, and then seize their money. They are held hostage until they recruit another victim. 

    “We’re sure that the long hand of justice will catch up with him. There are so many profitable ventures that you can engage on as a young man in Nigeria. I want to encourage you that now that the Ayedatiwa-led government is resolute in guaranteeing security of lives and property in the state, you can equally join the wagon in the agricultural sector. 

    “And a note of warning to those that are occupying the forest illegally. The position of the government is for you to be in the forest reserves of Ondo State, you must seek and obtain government permission.

    We have met with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah and various groups, and we’ve made the position of government known.  

    “The era of bringing two, three hundred men behind few bags of rice under the guise of coming to hunt, or coming to offload 10 bags of rice, hiding behind the rice is gone in Ondo State. Security agencies at the borders had been alerted to send such trucks back once we find more than 10 people who do not have a destination back to where they are coming from.

    “Equally, the government of Ondo State has placed a ban on the use of Okada after 8 p.m. with effect from today. So many nefarious activities are been perpetrated by these unknown Okada riders who had found their way from different parts of the country to kidnap, rob, rape, and main unsuspecting members of the public. 

    “In the same vein, the era of the use of unlicensed vehicles plying the road has ended. This is because majority of these evil perpetrators goes around with fake dealer numbers, fake number plates, and majority of them with unlicensed vehicles. You have one week effective from today to regularize your vehicle particulars.”

  • Killings: Aiyedatiwa deploys Amotekun to rural communities in Ondo

    Killings: Aiyedatiwa deploys Amotekun to rural communities in Ondo

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered operatives of the Amotekun Corps to relocate immediately to rural communities to curb attacks by herdsmen.

    The directive follows Wednesday’s killing of farmers at Aba Oyinbo in Akure North Local Government Area.

    In response, angry protesters stormed Alagbaka, the state’s seat of power, displaying the corpses of the slain farmers in front of the Governor’s Office.

    Earlier this month, herdsmen launched a reprisal attack on four communities in Akure North, leaving many dead.

    The protesters also blocked the Akure-Owo highway at Ogbese to protest the killing of the five farmers.

    Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Regent of Ademekun Camp, Princess Adelowo Kemisola, said several persons have been killed by herdsmen.

    Princess Adelowo who passed vote of no confidence on the Divisional Police Officer of Ala Police Division, said the police have failed to take action against herdsmen.

    Ondo Deputy Governor, Olajide Adelami, said the Governor has ordered Amotekun Corps to immediately move to the communities and provide security for the people and their property.

    He said, “I have listened to your plight and how armed Fulani herdsmen have been invading your communities killing farmers.

    “The Regent and three people have spoken on this incident and I want to sympathize with you and the families of the casualties.

    “Ondo State had been the most peaceful state in the country, but they want to change the story for us. They are attacking us in all the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Read Also: Ajayi urges Aiyedatiwa to seek help in tackling Ondo’s security challenges

    “Governor held meeting with security chiefs in the state where he discussed the issues surrounding out security in the state.

    “We are going to respond appropriately to ensure security of life and property of our people.

    “We will meet 10 representatives of the communities which you are going to select among you right now.

    “Amotekun Corps post will be established in the communities today. 

    “There will be collaboration among all security agencies.”

  • Candidates protest alleged recruitment of 1,000 PDP members into Osun Amotekun

    Candidates protest alleged recruitment of 1,000 PDP members into Osun Amotekun

    • Allegation untrue, screening is merit based—Corp commandant

    Protest broke out at the entrance of National Youths Services Corps (NYSC) orientation camp Ede, Osun State, the camping ground for Amotekun security outfit, as candidates alleged that the outfit shortlisted only members of People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in the recruitment process of 1,000 corps.

    The Field Commander, Dr. Isaac Omoyele had announced in January that the state government will recruit 1,000 operatives into the outfit to tackle the escalating insecurity in the state. The security outfit commenced the screening process at the orientation camp on Sunday.

    Read Also: Ex-Speaker: Adeleke shuts doors for future grant over £20m alleged misappropriation against Oyetola

    In a viral video sighted by The Nation, scores of candidates shut outside the gate lamented that they were sent out of the camp and later replaced by those that never applied since Sunday.

    It was also claimed that some candidates died in the camp while others were rushed to the hospital.

    The Chairman of Amotekun Board, AIG Wale Abass (rtd) dispelled the allegations noting that the outfit had always adhered to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and fairness.

    He said: “The accusations that we engaged in partisan behavior during the recruitment process are not only baseless but also malicious. The recruitment exercise was open, transparent, and merit-based, with no consideration given to political affiliations.