The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 10 suspected criminals for alleged involvement in kidnapping, motorcycle theft, burglary and other offences across the state.

The state commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure on Monday.

He said two of the suspects were allegedly involved in an attempted kidnapping of a woman and her two children in the Osi-Isinigbo area of Akure North Local Government Area.

According to Adeleye, one of the suspects, identified as Gambo, 27, was arrested behind Shasha in Akure while allegedly negotiating a ransom.

The second suspect, Murtala, 19, was arrested with a locally made firearm and other weapons. He was allegedly preparing to abduct the wife of his former employer, whom he had previously worked for.

Adeleye said the woman and her children were rescued after the suspects attempted to carry out the abduction.

He added that members of the Fulani community in the affected areas assisted Amotekun operatives in identifying and apprehending the suspects.

The commander said one of the suspects had confessed to involvement in several kidnapping operations, including an alleged plan to abduct his former boss in Molege, Owo.

Other suspects were arrested for alleged motorcycle theft, burglary and stealing.

Adeleye said Mustafa, another suspect, allegedly specialised in stealing motorcycles and burgling churches and mosques, with his latest alleged operation involving a church in Elegbeka.

He said two other suspects, Joseph, 25, and Friday, 20, were arrested for allegedly stealing and reselling motorcycles.

According to him, one of the suspects allegedly kept a stolen motorcycle and assisted in selling it for N70,000 despite the motorcycle being new.

The commander assured residents that Amotekun would sustain patrols and intelligence-led operations across the state to ensure that residents could carry out their activities without fear.

He also commended members of the communities who assisted the corps in identifying the suspected criminals.