The Amotekun Corps in Ondo State has uncovered a syndicate specializing in kidnapping and defrauding foreign nationals, particularly targeting Ghanaians.
The syndicate allegedly lured 72 Ghanaians and Nigerians to Nigeria under the guise of helping them secure visas to countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the Amotekun Corps, confirmed that the syndicate was among 61 suspected criminals arrested by the corps’ intelligence unit.
He revealed that the criminal group was a 28-member operation involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
“The syndicate invited unsuspecting individuals, mostly from Ghana, claiming they could secure U.S. visas for them. We rescued 28 Ghanaians who had paid significant amounts—ranging from $1,500 to $2,000—for these fraudulent visas. Once they arrived in Akure, they were abducted and held captive in Oda town. The kidnappers demanded that the victims bring in additional victims to be released,” Adeleye explained.
The breakthrough came when the Amotekun intelligence team tracked down the suspects, leading to the arrest of the entire syndicate.
Adeleye urged young people seeking better opportunities abroad to ensure they engage with credible individuals to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
One of the victims, Jeremiah Amoah from Ghana, recounted his harrowing experience. He had been contacted by the syndicate head while seeking to travel to Australia and was directed to Akure.
“I was instructed to wait at Cathedral Junction for an agent to pick me up. After taking my $2,000, they relocated me and told me I had to bring another person to Nigeria before I could be released,” Amoah shared. “I managed to escape at night and jumped over a wall. Amotekun saved us by arresting everyone involved and rescuing over 70 victims.”
In addition to dismantling the visa scam syndicate, the Amotekun Corps also rescued a family of five from kidnappers in Owo LGA.
The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N10 million, but the security forces, guided by intelligence reports, raided the area, freeing the family without any harm.
“Although the kidnappers managed to collect N210,000 from the victims, they were caught negotiating a ransom when we intervened. We also arrested several suspects involved in cattle rustling and violations of the anti-open grazing law,” Adeleye stated.
The recent operations stemmed from a committee formed by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to address the growing security challenges in the state.
“This gave rise to Operation Daadaa, in which Amotekun Corps, the police, the army, and the civil defense forces carried out extensive operations in key forests across Ondo State,” Adeleye added.