Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps have arrested a suspected informant allegedly working with a notorious kidnap gang terrorising parts of the state.

The suspect, identified as Promise Etuk, was caught wearing military camouflage in the Akure North Local Government Area. 

Mr Etuk, 45, was accused of providing information on the movement of residents and Amotekun patrol teams to criminal gangs operating within the area.

His arrest came shortly after the Southern Nigeria Youth Congress (SNYC) raised the alarm over the killing of three farmers by suspected bandits at Ala-Igbatoro, Akure North. 

The group described the incident as “heartbreaking, barbaric and unacceptable,” lamenting the increasing insecurity threatening rural communities despite safety assurance from security agencies.

Parading the suspect alongside 37 others arrested for various offences on Wednesday, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspect was apprehended through intelligence gathering.

“A few days ago, there was a gruesome murder near the powerline in the Ago Dada area. We moved in immediately and arrested a spy whose role was to alert kidnappers whenever Amotekun operatives were approaching. Thankfully, we caught him,” Mr Adeleye stated.

According to him, Mr Etuk had been posing as a farmer while secretly monitoring and reporting Amotekun movements to the kidnappers operating around Ago Dada and Ademekun villages in Akure North.

The Amotekun commander also disclosed the arrest of 22 illegal immigrants from Benin Republic and Togo, who entered the state without valid documentation.

“They couldn’t give satisfactory answers during interrogation. We are handing them over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and possible deportation,” Mr Adeleye added.

In a related development, the security agency apprehended a syndicate involved in vandalising government machinery and equipment across the state.

“You can see some of the recovered items – caterpillar parts, engines, tyres, and gas flaring tools used to dismantle government machinery. When our men caught up with them, they opened fire, but we subdued them without retaliation,” he said.

Mr Adeleye noted that one of the suspects was also arrested in military uniform and would be handed over to the Nigerian Army for further investigation.

Reassuring residents of their safety, the Amotekun boss maintained that Ondo state remains secure for law-abiding citizens.

He said, “Ondo State is safe for the innocent but unsafe for criminals. Whether caught at the beginning or end of your crime, Amotekun will get you. The best advice is to stay away from criminal activities.”