The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 51 suspects across the state for crimes ranging from kidnapping and rape to human trafficking and violation of anti-open grazing laws.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the Corps headquarters in Akure on Friday, the State Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrests were made during coordinated operations across all 18 local government areas, including forest enclaves where many criminal gangs operate.
“Today, we are parading 51 suspects arrested in various nooks and crannies of the state,” Adeleye stated.
“Out of this number, 37 were picked up for breach of public order, six are major kidnap suspects, while we also have a case of rape and incidents of human trafficking.”
According to him, Amotekun operatives recently dismantled a notorious kidnap syndicate. “One of their armourers, who is here today, confessed to being part of five major kidnap operations in Ondo State,” the Commander disclosed.
He also raised concern over criminals disguising as hawkers and scrap collectors to gather intelligence for gangs.
“We arrested David Abdul (22), Abdullai (27), Sani (22), Ahmed (26), Emma (20), and Dayo, who were pretending to pick metals but are actually informants for robbers and kidnappers,” Adeleye revealed.
On cases of trafficking and repeat offenders, Adeleye said, “We also have one Ibrahim, 42, for human trafficking, and one Agu Joseph, an ex-convict who escaped from Okitipupa Custodial Centre only to reoffend before he was apprehended by our men.”
He confirmed that 35 of the suspects would be arraigned in court, while the remaining would go through internal dispute resolution processes before further legal action, if necessary.
Reassuring residents, Adeleye stressed that the Corps remains determined to rid the state of criminals.
“Ondo State is not safe for criminals. Pack your things and go. We have told you before and we are repeating it — we will not allow kidnapping for ransom or any crime that threatens the peace of our people. Our watchword is to ensure Ondo remains safe for residents and investors to thrive,” he declared.
The Amotekun Corps, established in 2020 as part of the South-West regional security initiative, continues to play a critical role in tackling insecurity, especially in combating kidnappers and criminal elements hiding in forest reserves.
