The Ondo State Security Network Agency has arrested no fewer than 164 persons over various criminal offences during a week-long security operation across the state.

The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists during a parade of suspects in Akure, the state capital.

He said the suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping and rape to human trafficking, armed robbery, and violations of existing laws, including the anti-open grazing regulation.

According to him, the arrests included three suspected kidnapping cases, 144 incidents related to breach of public peace, 15 cases of human trafficking, and one rape case.

Adeleye explained that some of the suspects were picked up in different parts of the state, including Owo and Akure, over their alleged involvement in criminal activities such as armed robbery and abduction.

He added that others were arrested for offences bordering on murder, arson, conspiracy, and assault on security personnel, while a number of suspects were linked to theft of motorcycles and burglary.

The commander also revealed that operatives recovered several items from the suspects, including motorcycles, generators, and metal materials believed to have been stolen.

In a related development, Adeleye said security operatives intercepted a group of 144 individuals who were allegedly being transported in a trailer under suspicious circumstances.

He noted that preliminary findings showed that many of them claimed to have arrived from the northern part of the country without any identifiable means of livelihood.

The Amotekun boss stated that such individuals are usually profiled and returned to their states of origin as part of preventive security measures.

Adeleye commended the Ondo State Government for its support, noting that joint operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services had strengthened security in the state.

He assured residents of the corps’ resolve to sustain the crackdown on criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue sharing useful information with security agencies.

On efforts to regulate commercial motorcycle operations, Adeleye disclosed that more than 15,000 riders had been registered across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He added that only duly accredited operators would be allowed to function, as part of measures to curb criminal activities often linked to unregistered riders.