The Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has arrested no fewer than 35 suspects for various criminal offences across the state in a major security crackdown.

The State Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects before journalists in Akure, the state capital.

Mr Adeleye said the arrests were made within one week and involved offences such as kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, burglary, and motorcycle theft.

According to him, eleven suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the operations, while two victims of rape were rescued.

He also revealed that three suspects linked to human trafficking were arrested for allegedly defrauding a woman of 1.4 million CFA francs under the false promise of facilitating her travel from Togo to Nigeria and securing a Canadian visa.

Adeleye said the suspects reportedly held the victim hostage for about two weeks before she escaped and reported the case.

“Our operatives acted swiftly upon receiving her complaint. We recovered the full amount collected from her as well as her passport, which have been returned. She has also been reunited with her family,” he said.

The commander noted that kidnapping cases were recorded in Akure North Local Government Area and other parts of the state, adding that proactive operations by the corps have significantly reduced criminal activities.

He attributed the decline in crimes, particularly housebreaking, to the enforcement of the ban on night-time motorcycle (okada) operations.

In a related development, the corps arrested six suspects involved in motorcycle theft.

The suspects reportedly attacked riders with clubs before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“Some of them dismantled the stolen motorcycles and sold them as spare parts. We arrested them and compelled them to reassemble the motorcycles,” he added.

Mr Adeleye further disclosed that operatives recovered a stolen Lexus jeep in Owo within three hours by blocking exit routes from the town.

He also highlighted the arrest of suspected burglars, including a 28-year-old man known for breaking into homes during church services. He said surveillance has now been intensified around worship centres.

Other suspects were linked to theft of vehicles, motorcycle parts, and household items in Akure, Okitipupa, and other areas.

On enforcement of the state government’s motorcycle registration directive, Mr Adeleye said over 14,000 riders have been registered across the 18 local government areas.

He added that the government has extended the registration deadline by seven days to allow more riders comply, while sensitisation efforts continue.

“So far, we have impounded over 120 motorcycles for violating the directive. Enforcement will continue, and defaulters will face the full weight of the law,” he warned. (The Nation)