The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has reaffirmed its resolve to rid the state of criminal activities, warning offenders and their collaborators that Ondo is becoming increasingly unsafe for criminal operations.
The Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, issued the warning on Wednesday while presenting 46 suspects arrested for various offences at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.
Speaking with journalists, Adeleye said security operations initiated during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration had been sustained due to the need to maintain pressure on criminal elements across the state. He noted that all operational departments of the corps remained active in the 18 local government areas.
According to him, units including the Border Patrol Team, Amotekun Rangers, Operations Department and the Commander’s Squad have continued to conduct surveillance, raids and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing crimes and apprehending offenders.
Adeleye stated that the corps had recorded significant successes through the operations, leading to the arrest of several suspects who are currently facing prosecution in courts located in Akure, Owo and Okitipupa.
“The security situation requires constant vigilance. We have therefore maintained the tempo of our operations across the state. Criminals should understand that there is no refuge for them in Ondo State because all our units are working round the clock,” he said.
The commander also announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the conditional release of motorcycles seized for violating the state’s restriction on commercial motorcycle operations during prohibited hours between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
He explained that owners of the impounded motorcycles would be given 15 days to provide relevant documents and satisfy stipulated requirements before their motorcycles could be released. He, however, stressed that motorcycles connected to kidnapping, robbery and other security-related offences would not be covered by the approval.
Providing a breakdown of the suspects paraded, Adeleye disclosed that 13 were arrested for kidnapping-related offences, two for violating the Anti-Open Grazing Law, while the remaining 31 were apprehended for offences including cultism, illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, theft, breach of peace and other criminal activities.
Among those arrested were members of a suspected armed robbery and burglary syndicate accused of breaking into homes and stealing valuables from residents in different parts of the state. Adeleye said the group recently targeted the residence of a prominent citizen and made away with valuable items.
He revealed that Amotekun operatives tracked and arrested the alleged leader of the gang within 24 hours of the incident, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend two other fleeing members of the syndicate. Several stolen items, including high-end mobile phones, were recovered during the operation.
The corps also presented suspected kidnappers who were reportedly identified by some of their victims. Adeleye said the suspects attempted to resist arrest during a security operation but were eventually overpowered and taken into custody.
He listed some of the suspected kidnappers as Muhammad Tati and others arrested in Owo, Akoko, Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities. Additional suspects, he said, were apprehended over kidnapping activities around Oda Road, Eti-Oro, Roshukari and the Owo Forest Reserve.
The commander further disclosed that two brothers, identified as Usman and Zakaria, were arrested in connection with a kidnapping case along the Murewa axis. He added that an alleged informant, Seidu, was intercepted while allegedly conveying food and supplies to members of a kidnapping gang.
In a related development, two suspects identified as Ayuba and Umaru were arrested for allegedly violating the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, while another suspect, also identified as Ayuba, was apprehended in Lale community in Owo over an alleged attempted murder case.
Adeleye said several other suspects were picked up in separate operations for offences linked to cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and attempted murder in communities including Owo, Odigbo, Ipesi-Akoko and Irese.
He assured residents that the corps would not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that security personnel would continue to maintain a strong presence across the state.
“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. Our operations will continue across every part of the state until criminal activities are drastically reduced and offenders are made to face the law,” he said.