Ondo Amotekun Nets 97 Suspects in Statewide Sweep Over Kidnapping, Robbery, Armed Theft and Illegal Open Grazing Violations
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested 97 suspects across all 18 local government areas of the state for crimes ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to vehicle theft and breaches of the anti-open grazing law.
Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of Amotekun in Ondo, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure. He said a large number of those in custody were directly tied to kidnapping operations, while others were picked up for burglary, robbery, vehicle hijacking and related offences.
According to Adeleye, operatives successfully broke up a syndicate notorious for smashing and stealing vehicles statewide. “Some of the key members of that gang are among those paraded today,” he said.
He added that Amotekun also arrested persons who confessed to acting as informants and logistics suppliers for kidnappers hiding in forests. “Some have been confirmed as active members of kidnapping gangs,” the commander stated.
Adeleye raised alarm over a new pattern of criminal activity: groups of women moving deep into forest areas with household items like bedding, cooking utensils, mortars, pestles and other personal effects.
“During interrogation, some claimed they were fleeing security operations in northern Nigeria. But investigations showed that certain groups were invited into Ondo State by people allegedly seeking to destabilize the peace we enjoy here,” he explained.
He cited one case where a suspect said he invited only two people to work on his farm, but they arrived with 51 others in two trucks loaded with belongings. “Another group of 16 persons was intercepted heading toward the Ose-Owo forest axis under similar circumstances. With the current security situation, such movements are a serious concern,” Adeleye added.
Among those paraded were Isa, 35; Yaya, 22; Jelly, 30; Umaru, 25; Ekele, 52; Kita, 32; Isiaka, 50; Muhammad, 41; Joseph, 27; Akim; another Isiaka, 41; and Omoni, 23.
The commander said arrests were made in forests and communities across Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Murewo and Ojoma Camp for alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery.
He also revealed that two suspects arrested in Akure had been posing as mentally ill persons to gather intelligence for criminal gangs. “They confessed they were paid to pretend to be unstable while feeding information to criminals. Some even got hospital cards to back up their false identities,” Adeleye said.
Amotekun operatives also dismantled a robbery gang that posed as visitors before attacking residents. The gang would gain entry into homes, lock occupants in, brandish weapons, force victims to transfer money to designated accounts, then steal their vehicles. “We recovered the stolen vehicles and also seized a vehicle used by suspects who attacked security personnel while trying to escape. It was later abandoned in a forest,” he noted.
Adeleye credited the success to joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC and the Nigerian Army, plus ongoing forest patrols that have helped sustain relative peace in the state.
He thanked residents for providing timely intelligence and urged them to keep cooperating. He also appreciated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for funding the Orange Insurance Scheme for Amotekun personnel and their families.
“The governor’s commitment to security has greatly boosted our operations,” Adeleye said.
On the fate of the suspects, he said profiling was complete. Those cleared would be returned to their states of origin with support from Hausa/Fulani community leaders and Miyetti Allah, with logistics provided by the state government. “Anyone found with arms, incriminating items, or linked to crime will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
Adeleye assured that Ondo remains safe and urged residents: “If you see something, say something. Quick reporting helps us stop crimes before they happen.”
COMMENTS