The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested no fewer than 95 suspected criminals across the 18 local government areas of the state in a sweeping security operation targeting kidnapping, burglary, illegal mining and other crimes.
The arrests, according to the corps, were achieved through coordinated operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.
The Ondo State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adeleye, disclosed this on Sunday while addressing journalists in Akure, the state capital. He said the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping and stealing to burglary and illegal mining.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Adeleye revealed that 61 of the suspects were intercepted inside a trailer truck and are currently undergoing profiling to determine their status and possible prosecution.
“We have 19 that breached the law and order of the state. We have three on anti-grazing farmers-herders related issues, and we have 12 that are kidnapping-related,” Adeleye said.
He noted that several of the kidnapping suspects were arrested in troubled communities within Akure North Local Government Area, expressing optimism that the operation would restore calm to the area.
The suspects linked to kidnapping were apprehended in locations including Ilu-Abo and Ayede in Akure, Idogun-Ugbe, Alagbaka, Iloro Camp and Ogbese in Akure North.
On anti-grazing enforcement, Adeleye identified two suspects, Umai Jibril and Hassan, among those arrested. He stated that 34 suspects were being publicly paraded, while the remaining 61 are under investigation.
The commander attributed the success of the operation to strong inter-agency collaboration, describing it as a model for effective security management in the state.
“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 it has yielded very good results,” he said.
Adeleye issued a stern warning to criminal elements, stressing that Ondo State would not serve as a safe haven for lawbreakers.
“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 added.
The latest crackdown underscores intensified security measures across the state amid growing concerns over kidnapping and other violent crimes in parts of the South-West.