The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, has successfully rescued three kidnapped passengers and arrested four suspects involved in kidnapping, attempted abduction, and fraud, following a series of operations across the state.

Parading the suspects in Akure, Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye said the arrests resulted from multiple operations conducted within the last 48 hours under Operation Le Won Jade, supported by border patrols and a 24/7 ember-month security watch.

Adeleye explained that the security team was alerted to heavy gunfire in a forested area, prompting the deployment of a rapid response unit in coordination with local security personnel.

“On entering the forest, our operatives came under heavy attack,” Adeleye said. “By the end of the operation, we rescued four of the five kidnapped passengers. Unfortunately, the bus driver was shot dead by the attackers while trying to stop the vehicle.”

Among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor. One female passenger, who had been shot before Amotekun’s arrival, received immediate medical attention and was stabilized at the corps’ health facility.

Two of the suspects who allegedly fired at the officers and killed the bus driver were apprehended during the operation.

In a separate incident, Amotekun thwarted an attempted abduction of a female correctional officer, who was targeted by suspects posing as visitors. The officer escaped by raising an alarm near the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, leading to the suspects’ arrest.

Another suspect paraded was accused of defrauding his employer of ₦77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.

Adeleye stressed that Amotekun, in collaboration with the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters, has intensified security coordination across the Southwest. He reassured residents that major roads, communities, and public spaces are being reinforced to ensure a crime-free environment.