Amotekun parades 97 suspects over alleged kidnapping, theft, other crimes in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 97 suspects across the state’s 18 local government areas within the last two weeks over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft, burglary and other criminal activities.

The Commander of the Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects in Akure, saying the arrests followed a series of intelligence-led operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.

Adeleye said some of those apprehended were linked to kidnapping activities, while others were arrested for violating the state’s anti-open grazing law. He added that operatives also dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate that had been operating in different parts of the state, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicles and the arrest of key members of the gang.

The commander further revealed that some suspects confessed to serving as informants and suppliers for kidnappers hiding in forests, while others admitted being members of kidnapping gangs operating in communities including Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure and Oja-Mokan.

“We have some individuals who confessed to being informants and suppliers to kidnappers in the forest, while others have been identified as members of kidnapping groups. We also broke a vehicle theft syndicate and recovered stolen vehicles,” Adeleye said.

He expressed concern over what he described as a new security threat involving groups of people moving into forest areas with household items and personal belongings under suspicious circumstances. According to him, some of those arrested claimed they were fleeing security challenges in northern Nigeria, while investigations suggested attempts to establish settlements in remote forest locations.

Adeleye further disclosed that Amotekun uncovered a criminal gang that allegedly invaded homes at night, held residents hostage, forced them to transfer money electronically and carted away vehicles. He noted that several stolen vehicles connected with the operations had been recovered.

“Those found to be connected with criminal activities will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Ondo remains safe, but residents must continue to provide timely information to security agencies so that crimes can be prevented before they occur,” he added.