The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has arrested 97 suspects across the state’s 18 local government areas in a sweeping operation targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft and other criminal activities.
The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects, saying the arrests were made within the last two weeks as part of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
According to him, those arrested were linked to various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking, theft and breaches of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
He explained that the operation led to the dismantling of several criminal syndicates allegedly responsible for criminal activities in different parts of Ondo State.
“We have a total of 97 suspects arrested across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State within the last 14 days. Some were arrested in connection with kidnapping cases, others for robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, and open grazing violations,” Adeleye said.
The Amotekun commander revealed that investigations uncovered the involvement of some suspects as informants and logistics suppliers for kidnappers operating in forest locations across the state, while others were identified as active members of kidnapping gangs.
He also announced the successful dismantling of a vehicle theft syndicate and the recovery of several stolen vehicles, some of which were displayed during the parade.
Adeleye expressed concern over what he described as suspicious movements of groups of people into forest settlements. He said operatives intercepted several women and youths travelling with household belongings, cooking utensils, bedding and other personal effects into forested areas.
While some of those intercepted claimed they had relocated from northern parts of the country due to security challenges, investigations allegedly showed that some had been invited by individuals already residing in the forests.
According to him, one suspect admitted to inviting only two workers into the state but was surprised when they reportedly arrived with 51 additional persons who later settled deep inside a forest.
The commander further disclosed that another group of 16 persons was intercepted while heading towards the Ose/Owo forest corridor, claiming they intended to engage in farming activities.
Adeleye said Amotekun operatives also apprehended suspects connected to kidnapping and armed robbery operations in communities, including Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure and Oja-Mokan.
In another breakthrough, the security outfit uncovered a network of individuals who allegedly pretended to be mentally ill to gather intelligence for criminal groups.
“We arrested two people who were feigning mental illness. They confessed that they were being paid to provide information,” Adeleye said, adding that investigations revealed some had obtained hospital-issued medical cards to support the deception.
The Amotekun boss also disclosed that operatives dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate known for disguising as visitors before launching attacks on residents.
According to him, members of the gang would gain access to homes without arousing suspicion, confine occupants indoors, seize their phones and compel them to transfer money into designated bank accounts before stealing vehicles and escaping.
“We were able to recover several vehicles stolen by the syndicate. We also recovered another vehicle used during an attack on security personnel, which was later abandoned in the forest,” he said.
Adeleye attributed the recent security gains recorded in the state to the collaboration between Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.
He noted that the cooperation among the security agencies had played a key role in maintaining relative peace across Ondo State.
The commander thanked residents for providing useful intelligence and encouraged them to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the operations and welfare of Amotekun personnel. Adeleye disclosed that the state government had fulfilled its commitment to paying the required contributions for officers to benefit from the Orange Health Insurance Scheme.
“The health insurance scheme for Amotekun personnel and their immediate family members is now fully operational. We appreciate the governor’s commitment to the welfare of our officers and to the security of lives and property in the state,” he said.
On the fate of those arrested, Adeleye explained that investigations and profiling had been concluded. He stated that individuals not found to have committed any offence would be returned to their states of origin after consultations with leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in Ondo State.
“Those against whom no incriminating evidence has been found will be transported out of Ondo State after proper profiling. However, anyone found with incriminating materials or linked to criminal activities will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Despite ongoing security challenges, Adeleye maintained that Ondo State remains safe and urged residents to stay vigilant and continue supporting efforts to prevent crime.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can prevent crime rather than merely respond to it,” he added.
