Fake Lunatics Exposed as Amotekun Arrests 98 Suspects, Tightens Security Across Ondo
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested 98 suspected criminals, including individuals posing as mentally unstable persons who were allegedly involved in kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state.
The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters, saying the arrests were made during a series of coordinated security operations carried out in various parts of the state.
According to him, many of the suspects were apprehended during anti-kidnapping raids, while others were arrested for offences ranging from armed robbery and drug-related crimes to activities capable of disturbing public peace.
Adeleye revealed that 60 of the suspects are currently being prosecuted in court, while 38 other cases were resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. He added that 13 suspects remain under investigation and interrogation pending further legal action.
The commander disclosed that 10 of the suspects were arrested either at kidnapping scenes or while attempting to carry out abduction operations.
He also raised concerns over a growing trend in which criminals allegedly disguise themselves as lunatics to avoid detection while carrying out unlawful activities.
According to him, intelligence gathered by the agency revealed that some of the fake lunatics were involved in gathering information for kidnappers, distributing illicit drugs, participating in robbery operations and coordinating other criminal acts.
Adeleye explained that Amotekun operatives monitored the suspects for some time, tracking their movements to locations where they charged mobile phones, changed clothes and planned operations before they were eventually arrested.
The commander also highlighted the recent rescue of a kidnapped couple in Iluwabu community, describing the operation as one of the agency’s major successes. He said operatives immediately launched a forest search after receiving a distress call, leading to the rescue of the female victim, while an overnight operation secured the release of her husband.
He emphasized that the victims were reunited with their family without the payment of any ransom.
Adeleye attributed the recent rise in kidnapping and related crimes to the influx of criminal elements fleeing intensified security operations in other parts of the country.
Despite the challenges, he assured residents that Ondo State remains secure, noting that Amotekun has strengthened collaboration with the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal networks.
He stressed that forests and remote areas across the state are no longer safe hideouts for criminals, adding that ongoing joint operations are aimed at protecting lives and property.
The corps commander urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring that all intelligence received would be handled with utmost confidentiality.
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