The Southwest Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has foiled five kidnapping attempts and rescued nine victims in Ondo State within the past week.
This was made known by the Ondo State Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, during a parade of 20 suspected criminals at the Command’s Headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, on Thursday.
Commander Adeleye stated that among the arrested suspects was a family of robbers, comprising a husband, wife, and their children.
He emphasized the Corps’ commitment to combating crime by conducting extensive operations across the state, particularly in identified flashpoints.
According to him, the Corps has intensified its patrols in the Elegbeka area, a notorious hotspot for criminal activities, successfully raiding and securing the location.
Adeleye assured the public that Amotekun Rangers have effectively infiltrated the surrounding forests to enhance the safety of commuters and protect lives and property.
“In the coming weeks, we will intensify our operations in the Ala, Ago Oyinbo, Ogbese, Jugbere, and Ifon forests,” stated Adeleye, expressing confidence that Amotekun’s proactive measures will provide relief to communities that have been affected by insecurity.
Adeleye also revealed the arrest of a 28-year-old kidnapping suspect, Usman Abubakar, in Igbo Oba-Owo during one of the operations. The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.
The Amotekun Commander reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to improving the security situation in the state and urged residents to cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and actionable information.
He stated, “We have three minors from a family—a husband, wife, and their children—who specialize in breaking into homes to steal. For obvious reasons, we will not be parading the minors.
“They are aged between 12 and 15 years. Currently, we have 15 suspects in custody regarding the enforcement of law and order. No arrests were made in the past week concerning pending enforcement and infringements.”
He said, “In terms of land and chieftaincy issues, there have been no violations. Ondo State has remained peaceful concerning labor union matters over the last week. Regarding anti-grazing and farmers-herders’ conflicts, we will present one suspect today. There are no reported cases of human trafficking.
“We have one kidnapping suspect who confessed to extorting two million naira from the victim and detailed how the money was distributed, including its connection to their godfathers.”
“Everything has been running smoothly in student affairs over the past week, with no reported infringements. There have been no issues related to militancy, and political and religious activities have been without problems. We arrested three suspects involved in cultism, who were found with charms, arms, and ammunition,” he said.
The security chief added, “Overall, I would say that the security situation in Ondo State is stable.
“The only infringement on the anti-open grazing law involved Muhammed Abubakar, who was arrested in Ita-Ogbolu.
“One suspect was arrested in Akoko through a joint operation involving the police, hunters, and Amotekun Corps. The investigation is ongoing.”
