Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps, have rescued two kidnapped victims who were abducted a few days ago in the state.

The victims, who were rescued after a 96-hour search in the forest, were kidnapped by gunmen about six days ago along Itagbolu Road in Akure North Local Council Area of the state.

According to the Amotekun Commander in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this at the weekend while parading some suspected criminals at the corps’ headquarters, the victims were rescued unhurt following their refusal to pay the N50 million ransom demanded by the abductors.

While commending the families of the victims for their cooperation during the operation, Adeleye, who harped on the corps’ zero-tolerance for ransom payments, stated that “thankfully, most kidnap cases in the past two months have been resolved without any payment.”

He added that, “More than celebrating the arrest of criminals, we are celebrating the recovery of life and property. Our operations in the past week have led to a reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, and cult-related activities.”

The Amotekun chief also revealed that the corps had been able to recover stolen goods and electronics worth over N300 million after busting a theft syndicate that specialised in stolen phones and gadgets.

Adeleye, who stressed that the goods were stolen in Lagos and transported to Ondo State for onward sale, stated that one of the suspects boarded the same bus conveying the goods and repackaged the items into an empty carton during the journey.

The commander, who maintained that the act was discovered while the vehicle was refuelling, added that the goods belonged to a licensed electronics dealer in Ondo State and would be returned to the owner after the court processes the necessary documents.

Others paraded along with the syndicate and two kidnap suspects included a local gang leader arrested after evading arrest for six months, as well as a recidivist who jumped bail and fled to Kano but was rearrested and brought back, and a suspect involved in violent clashes with herders.