The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested 51 suspected criminals for various offences across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Parading the suspects at the corps headquarters in Akure on Friday, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were apprehended in different communities and forests in the state for crimes ranging from kidnapping, rape, and human trafficking to violations of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
According to Adeleye, six of the suspects were directly linked to kidnapping incidents, while others were arrested for offences such as breach of peace, robbery, and aiding criminal gangs.
“Today, we are parading 51 suspects arrested in various nooks and crannies and forests of the state. We have 37 suspects arrested for breach of law and order, six major kidnap suspects, and one case of rape,” he stated.
The commander disclosed that the corps had recently dismantled a notorious kidnap syndicate operating within Ondo forests, noting that one of the gang’s armourers had been apprehended. “He confessed to being involved in at least five major kidnap operations in the state,” Adeleye added.
Among those arrested were suspects who allegedly disguised as hawkers and scrap pickers but acted as informants to kidnappers and robbers.
Adeleye identified them as David Abdul (22), Abdullai (27), Sani (22), Ahmed (26), Emma (20), and Dayo. Others included Ibrahim (42), accused of human trafficking, and Agu Joseph, described as an ex-convict who escaped from the Okitipupa Custodial Centre before being rearrested.
Adeleye explained that 35 of the suspects would be charged in court, while the rest would undergo internal dispute resolution processes.
He, however, issued a stern warning to criminal elements to steer clear of Ondo State, reiterating the corps’ commitment to keeping the state safe for its residents and investors.
“With this, we keep saying that Ondo State is not safe for criminals. Pack your things and go.
The government and the good people of Ondo State are opposed to kidnapping for ransom. Our watchword is to ensure that Ondo State remains safe for investors to thrive and for our people to live in peace,” he declared.
Established in 2020, the Amotekun Corps forms part of a broader security initiative by South-West governors to tackle rising insecurity, particularly kidnapping, armed robbery, and clashes between herders and farmers in the region.
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