The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 53 suspects for various offences, including four alleged accomplices in a staged kidnapping plot in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were paraded in Akure on Monday by the state commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, who said the alleged self-kidnapping scheme was uncovered after security operatives investigated reports of an abduction circulated on social media.

Adeleye explained that the case initially appeared to be a genuine kidnapping until investigators discovered inconsistencies in the report. He said one of those who alerted the corps about the alleged abduction was later found to be part of the scheme.

He said the investigation led operatives to the residence of the alleged victim, where the person reportedly found to have been kidnapped was discovered safe and sound.

“We have four people here today who committed self-kidnapping and raised false alarms through social media. We moved in and arrested the first two, while further investigation exposed the others,” Adeleye said.

The commander warned residents against spreading unverified reports capable of creating fear and confusion, stressing that those found deliberately misleading the public or security agencies would face prosecution.

According to him, the 53 suspects were apprehended in connection with offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, cultism and rape to cattle rustling, impersonation, theft and conspiracy.

Adeleye also disclosed that 21 suspected illegal immigrants were arrested in Owo and would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation, while operatives also disrupted an alleged diesel theft syndicate accused of diverting petroleum products worth millions of naira from a construction company and quarry site along the Ondo Road, Akure.

He urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information, assuring that the corps would sustain its operations against criminal activities across the state.