The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 67 individuals suspected of engaging in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state. The arrests were made in collaboration with the police, army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in various parts of the state over the last two weeks.
Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that many of the suspected kidnappers had been identified by their victims, confirming their involvement in the crimes.
Adeleye stated, “We have a good number of suspected criminals arrested during operations across Ondo State. The 67 criminals were arrested within the last two weeks of rounding off the Operation Ember Months program that we embarked on. A good number of them were suspected kidnappers while many were identified by their victims. Some were arrested with different types of weapons, some involved in housebreaking, and others suspected of robbery and murder.”
The commander further disclosed that three of the suspects had escaped from prison while facing criminal charges in Benin, Edo State. One of the escapees claimed to have fled Benin while being tried for kidnapping and robbery. Another confessed to running away from fellow kidnappers because he no longer wanted to be part of their criminal activities.
Adeleye emphasized the importance of the arrests, stating, “The major reason for parading them is to send a signal to criminals that Ondo State cannot tolerate them, and the government is resolute in ensuring that the peace and stability of the state are not disturbed by them.”
He urged the residents of Ondo State to report any individuals or groups with suspicious activities to the security agencies, reaffirming the Amotekun Corps’ commitment to maintaining the state’s safety and security for socio-economic activities.
