AMOTEKUN ARRESTS 21 UNDOCUMENTED FOREIGNERS, 32 OTHERS IN ONDO

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 53 suspects during recent operations across the state, including 21 undocumented foreign nationals allegedly staying in two apartments in Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area. The suspects were paraded at the corps’ headquarters in Akure on Monday over alleged involvement in crimes ranging from kidnapping and murder to burglary, stealing, cultism and attempted murder.

According to the state commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the 21 foreign nationals were arrested following intelligence provided by members of the Fulani community. The suspects reportedly told investigators that they entered Nigeria from neighbouring West African countries to engage in menial work and phone repairs. However, Adeleye said they were unable to produce the necessary documents authorising their stay in the country, including valid ECOWAS travel papers.

The commander raised concerns over what he described as an increasing movement of foreigners through Ondo’s forests and urban areas under different pretences. He said the latest arrests involved individuals who had rented just two apartments in Owo, allegedly with the assistance of some Nigerians. Adeleye warned landlords against renting out properties without properly establishing the identities and activities of their tenants, noting that abandoned undocumented migrants could become vulnerable to recruitment into criminal networks.

Beyond the immigration-related arrests, Amotekun said it uncovered a suspected self-kidnapping operation involving four people who allegedly used social media to create false kidnapping alerts and solicit money. The commander also disclosed that seven suspects linked to alleged kidnapping activities were arrested through cooperation with members of the Fulani community. During one operation, security personnel recovered a military uniform and rescued two kidnapped boys, one of whom reportedly suffered severe machete injuries before being found alive and taken for medical treatment.

Adeleye said the 21 foreign nationals had been handed over to the appropriate government agency for further investigation and necessary action. He commended members of the Fulani community for providing intelligence that assisted the security operations and praised Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the corps in its efforts to tackle criminal activities across Ondo State.