The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested at least 95 suspected criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state over various offences.
The Amotekun Commander in the state, Akogun Adeleye, disclosed this on Sunday while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital. He said the arrests were made possible through joint operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army.
According to Adeleye, the suspects are believed to be involved in crimes ranging from kidnapping, burglary, stealing, and illegal mining, to violations of the state’s anti-grazing laws.
He listed some of those arrested to include Victor (31), Jonathan (34), Akpan (35), Aliu (27), Sanni (20), Adeoye (44), Ayodeji (50), Abdullahi (24), Doman (25), Isaac (20), Peter (25), and Dada (42).
Adeleye explained that security agencies had intensified their efforts in recent weeks, and the results have been encouraging.
“In the last few weeks, there have been concerted efforts by all security agencies in the state, especially Amotekun, the police, civil defence, and the DSS, in tracking suspected criminals, and I want to say that it has actually yielded very good results,” he said.
He revealed that 61 of the suspects were found inside a trailer truck and are currently being profiled to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
He added that 19 others were arrested for breaching law and order, three were linked to farmer-herder conflicts, while 12 were connected to kidnapping cases.
The commander noted that some kidnapping suspects were arrested in the troubled Akure North Local Government Area, expressing hope that the arrests would help restore peace.
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He said the suspects were picked up from locations including Ilu-Abo in Akure, Idogun-Ugbe, Alagbaka, Ayede, Iloro Camp, Ogbese, and other parts of Akure North.
On the enforcement of anti-grazing laws, Adeleye stated that suspects including Umai Jibril and Hassan were arrested, bringing the number of individuals being investigated for related offences to 34.
Adeleye also warned criminal elements to stay away from Ondo State or face strong consequences.
“Ondo State is not a safe haven for criminals. We will continue to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” he said.
