The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has apprehended 34 suspected criminals in various locations across all 18 local government areas of the state.
According to the corps, the suspects were linked to offences including kidnapping, burglary, theft, violation of the state’s anti-grazing law, and vandalism of public property.
Sixteen of the 34 suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure. Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrests were made as part of the agency’s end-of-year special operation, tagged Operation Le Won Jade (Operation Flush Them Out).
“We are presenting 16 suspects as part of the ongoing Operation Le Won Jade. Among them are 10 arrested for breach of peace, three for kidnapping, and three for violating the anti-grazing law,” Adeleye explained.
He noted that the statewide operation has helped to push out criminals from forests and urban areas. Combined with continuous 24-hour patrols across the state, the efforts led to 34 arrests within one week.
Adeleye revealed that one group specialises in vandalising government facilities using heavy welding equipment. Others include three suspected kidnappers and several individuals arrested for theft and anti-grazing offences.
Among those arrested are a 24-year-old man, Abubakar, picked up in Ogbese for violating the grazing law; Usman, caught stealing a drilling machine; and suspected kidnappers Olamiju (35), Udofia and Miracle, apprehended at Agbaje Camp in Akure North.
Following recent cases of school kidnappings in other states, Adeleye said Amotekun has intensified security measures around schools, particularly boarding institutions.
“In response to recent security concerns and kidnapping cases, we have commenced full-scale patrols of all boarding schools in the state. Surveillance has been mounted, especially around border-town schools and remote areas,” he said.
He assured residents that security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives and property throughout Ondo State.
Earlier in November, Amotekun arrested 16 illegal immigrants found wandering in different parts of the state, as well as 22 others allegedly involved in various criminal activities.
