Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, said no fewer than 97 suspects have been arrested across the 18 local government areas of the state in the last two weeks, in a major crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft and other criminal activities.

The Commander of the Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this while parading the suspects, said the operation led to the dismantling of several criminal syndicates responsible for insecurity in parts of the state.

Adetunji said that the suspects were arrested for various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking, theft and violations of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

According to Adeleye, some of those arrested had confessed to working as informants and suppliers for kidnappers operating in forests across the state, while others were identified as active members of kidnapping gangs.

“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,” he said.

The Amotekun boss revealed that operatives successfully dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate operating within the state and recovered several stolen vehicles, some of which were displayed during the parade.

He said investigations uncovered a disturbing trend involving groups of people moving into forest areas under suspicious circumstances.

According to him, several women and young people were intercepted while travelling into forest settlements with household items, cooking utensils, bedding, and personal belongings.

“Upon interrogation, some claimed they were fleeing security challenges in the North. However, investigations revealed that some had been invited into the forests by individuals already residing there,” Adeleye said.

He added that one suspect who admitted to inviting only two workers was surprised when the pair allegedly arrived with 51 additional persons and settled deep inside the forest.

The commander also disclosed that another group of 16 persons was intercepted while heading towards the troubled Ose/Owo forest corridor under the guise of engaging in farming activities.

Adeleye further revealed that Amotekun arrested suspects linked to armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure, Oja-Mokan and other communities across the state.

In a related development, the Corps uncovered a criminal network whose members allegedly pretended to be mentally ill in order to gather intelligence for criminal groups.

He said, “We arrested two people who were feigning mental illness. They confessed that they were being paid to provide information.

“Investigations showed that some even obtained medical cards from hospitals as part of the deception”.

The commander explained that operatives also dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate known for invading homes at night while posing as guests.

He said the suspects would gain entry into residences without raising suspicion, lock occupants indoors, seize their phones, and force them to transfer money into designated accounts before stealing vehicles and fleeing.

The Amotekun Commander said, “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 attributed recent security successes to the collaboration between Amotekun, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the synergy among security agencies has significantly contributed to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

Adeleye thanked residents for providing useful intelligence and urged them to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.

He also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the operations of the security outfit, disclosing that the state government had fulfilled its promise to pay the full contribution required for Amotekun personnel 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 the suspects, Adeleye explained that investigations and profiling had been completed and that those not linked to any criminal activity would be returned to their states of origin after consultations with leaders of the Hausa/Fulani community in Ondo State.

He said, “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.

Adeleye said despite ongoing security concerns, he maintained that Ondo State remains safe and urged residents to remain vigilant, saying, “If you see something, say something. Together, we can prevent crime rather than merely respond to it”. (Sunday Tribune)

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