The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, has arrested no fewer than 95 suspected kidnappers and other criminals across the state following coordinated security operations.
Out of the total number arrested, 61 suspects were reportedly discovered hidden inside a trailer truck conveying bags of beans. The remaining 34 suspects were apprehended for various offences, including breach of law and order, armed robbery, contravention of the state’s anti-grazing law, and stealing.
Speaking while parading some of the suspects, the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the trailer carrying the 61 suspects was intercepted while heading to Akure. According to him, the suspects were allegedly being transported to Akure North Local Government Area, which he described as a hotspot for criminal activities in recent times, including kidnapping.
“They were discovered hidden inside a trailer conveying beans to Akure. Intelligence revealed that they were to be dropped in Akure North, an area that has recorded several heinous crimes,” Adeleye said.
He disclosed that although a total of 95 suspects are currently in custody, only 34 were physically paraded before journalists, while the remaining 61 are still undergoing profiling and investigation.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Adeleye said 12 suspects were apprehended in connection with kidnapping-related offences, with arrests made in areas such as Ilu-Abo Akure, Ayede-Akure, Iloro Camp, and Ogbese. He added that three suspects were arrested for violating the anti-grazing law, while 19 others were held for breaching law and order.
The Amotekun commander noted that the arrests were the result of weeks of sustained and coordinated security operations involving Amotekun operatives working alongside other security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ridding Ondo State of criminal elements and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
