Amotekun Parades 95 Suspected Criminals, Vows to Sustain Crackdown in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested no fewer than 95 individuals suspected of involvement in various criminal activities across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Parading the suspects on Sunday in Akure, the state capital, the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adeleye, disclosed that the arrests were the result of coordinated operations with other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army.

According to the commander, those arrested are alleged to be connected to crimes ranging from kidnapping, stealing, and burglary to illegal mining.

Adeleye provided a breakdown of the suspects, naming some as 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.

“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 explained that of the total number, 61 suspects were apprehended inside a trailer truck and are currently being profiled to determine their level of involvement.

“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 stated.

He noted that the kidnapping suspects were arrested in several locations, including Ilu-Abo, Idogun-Ugbe, Alagbaka area, Ayede, Iloro Camp, and Ogbese, all within Akure North Local Government Area.

“The good news is that some of the kidnapping-related suspects were arrested in the restive Akure North Local Government Area, and we believe this will translate to peace in the area, especially with the joint operation currently going on,” he added.

On the anti-grazing violations, the commander identified two of the suspects as Umai Jibril and Hassan.

Adeleye reiterated that the achievements were made possible through robust inter-agency collaboration, commending the support of the police, NSCDC, DSS, and the Army.

He also issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in the state, urging them to desist or face the full weight of the law.

“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,” the Amotekun Commander stated.