Men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully apprehended two individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities in Akunnu Akoko, located in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State. The arrests were made during a targeted operation aimed at curbing the rising menace of kidnappings in the region.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Major Njoka Irabor, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the first suspect was caught while attempting to collect ransom from the family of a 10-year-old boy who had been abducted by criminal elements. The second individual was arrested for allegedly providing intelligence to the kidnappers.
The statement detailed, “In an effort to sustain its operational activities, while maintaining maximum security to decimate kidnappers and other criminal elements within its Area of Responsibility, troops of 32 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed on operation Fast Strike Squad at Forward Operating Base Auga, on June 3, 2025, captured a suspected kidnapper and rescued one kidnapped victim.”
The operation was prompted by credible intelligence from local residents who reported that a family was preparing to pay ransom to kidnappers along the Sabon Hanya route, between Aiyere and Kabba in Ondo State. Troops promptly set up an ambush along the designated route, intercepting the kidnappers and successfully rescuing the 10-year-old victim, who had been held captive for three days. The suspect sustained injuries during the confrontation.
In a follow-up operation on June 4, troops arrested Mr. Abubakar, also known as Maude, a suspected informant based in Auga, Akoko South East Local Government Area. Preliminary interrogation revealed that Abubakar was part of the kidnapping syndicate, tasked with monitoring troop movements and relaying information to his criminal associates.
Major Irabor confirmed, “The suspects are presently in our custody for further interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate security agency for prosecution.”
Brigadier-General Justin Ifeanyi, Commander of the 32 Brigade, urged the people of Ondo State to continue providing credible information about suspicious activities and individuals in their communities. “This would enhance the capacity of troops in conducting operations with precision and further stem the tide of criminals within 32 Brigade,” he said.
