In a remarkable operation, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, successfully rescued two teenage Fulani boys who were kidnapped while grazing cattle near Owo. The boys, Abubakar and Abdullahi Umaru, went missing after they failed to return home from their grazing duties, prompting their worried parents to alert the security agency.

Amotekun's Commander in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, reported that the operation commenced immediately after the boys' parents raised the alarm. The agency first managed to recover the stolen cattle before embarking on a deeper search into the surrounding forests, which straddle the border between Ondo and Edo states. The search led operatives to a hideout in Abuja Forest, where they discovered the boys and apprehended two suspects who fled upon the arrival of the security team.

The boys recounted their ordeal, stating that they were forcibly taken away from their cattle by suspected kidnappers and marched into the forest. They expressed relief at being rescued by Amotekun operatives, highlighting the fear that families in border communities often face when their loved ones do not return from grazing.

Adeleye emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the operation, thanking residents for their timely intelligence. He reiterated Amotekun's commitment to a non-discriminatory approach in their operations, stating, "A criminal is a criminal; we don’t discriminate." This statement underscores the agency's resolve to tackle crime regardless of the ethnic background of the perpetrators.

In addition to the rescue, Adeleye disclosed that Amotekun recently paraded 97 suspects linked to various crimes, including kidnapping and robbery. He noted a worrying trend of women traveling into the forests with household items, allegedly fleeing security pressures in the North and potentially collaborating with criminal groups in the region.

The commander also highlighted the challenges posed by border gaps, which complicate security efforts. He mentioned that the absence of Amotekun in neighboring states like Edo, Kogi, and Kwara has made operations more difficult, although collaborations with local vigilantes have yielded positive results.

Adeleye expressed optimism about ongoing joint operations with the Nigerian Army and police, aiming to eradicate criminal elements from the forests. He noted that Amotekun has faced attacks on numerous occasions but has successfully driven back assailants each time.

For the families of Abubakar and Abdullahi, the successful rescue operation brought immense relief. The boys returned home safely with their cattle, marking a significant victory for Amotekun in the ongoing battle against kidnapping and insecurity in the region.