Security operatives have apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Terry Tinate Augustus, popularly known as “Black,” in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Augustus, who is said to be a pastor from Ajapa in Ese Odo Local Government Area of the state, was captured on December 8, 2024, during a joint operation by the Amotekun Corps and the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, Engineer Alore Omosuyi.
FUSION CHRONICLES NIGERIA NEWSPAPER gathered that the arrest followed a tip-off from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad. A statement issued on Monday, December 9, by the media team of the Governor’s Special Assistant on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, confirmed the development, linking Augustus to a violent kidnapping syndicate involved in multiple abductions, including a recent high-profile case in Lagos.
The statement read:
“On December 8, 2024, a joint operation between Engineer Alore Omosuyi, Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, and the Amotekun Divisional Headquarters in Ilaje Local Government Area led to the arrest of the notorious kidnapper, Terry Tinate Augustus, also known as ‘Black.’
“The arrest occurred in Alape, Ilaje Local Government Area, following critical intelligence provided by the Commissioner of Police Special Squad in Lagos State.
“Terry, a prominent figure in a violent kidnapping ring, has been linked to several abductions, including a recent high-profile case in Lagos.
“The operation was prompted by the earlier arrests of two gang members, Promise Mafimisebi and Monday Ikuesan, in Lagos. During interrogation, Mafimisebi disclosed that the group had collected a $52,000 ransom in the recent kidnapping of Isa Ososa in Lagos and identified Terry Tinate Augustus as a member of the syndicate from Ajapa, Ondo State.
“The gang primarily operated in urban areas, targeting affluent individuals for ransom using swift abduction tactics, often facilitated with stolen vehicles.
“The strategic leadership of Engineer Alore Omosuyi, combined with the expertise of the Amotekun Corps, ensured the success of the operation and the swift apprehension of the suspect.”
Authorities have commended the collaboration between the security teams and reaffirmed their commitment to curbing criminal activities in the region.
