Amotekun parades over 40 suspects, declares war on crime in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, on Wednesday paraded 46 suspected criminals while warning offenders to stay away from the state, insisting that there was no safe haven for criminal elements.

The State Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, gave the warning while addressing journalists at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, saying the agency had intensified security operations across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Adeleye explained that security personnel initially deployed for the Eid-el-Kabir patrol had remained on active duty due to prevailing security concerns, noting that units such as the Border Control Patrol, Amotekun Rangers and the Commander’s Squad were still carrying out operations statewide.

“We have continued our operations beyond the Sallah period because of the security situation. All our operational units remain actively engaged across the state to ensure that criminal activities are curtailed,” he said.

The commander disclosed that the sustained operations had resulted in several arrests and ongoing prosecutions in courts across Akure, Owo and Okitipupa. He also announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the conditional release of motorcycles impounded for violating the state’s restriction on commercial motorcycle operations between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

According to him, affected operators have 15 days to present the required documents and fulfil stipulated conditions to reclaim their motorcycles, adding that those linked to robbery, kidnapping and other security-related offences would not benefit from the directive.

Speaking on the paraded suspects, Adeleye said among those paraded were members of an alleged armed robbery and burglary syndicate responsible for breaking into homes and stealing valuables. He revealed that operatives arrested the gang leader within 24 hours of a recent operation and recovered several stolen items, including expensive mobile phones.

The commander further disclosed that 13 of the suspects were arrested for kidnapping-related offences, two for violating the Anti-Open Grazing Law and 31 others for crimes ranging from cultism and illegal possession of firearms to attempted murder, theft and breach of peace.