Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested four suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during a press briefing and parade of suspects held at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.
Adeleye said the arrests followed intensified security operations launched in response to increasing incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks recorded in parts of the state in recent months.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended through intelligence-driven operations targeted at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
“The corps, acting on credible intelligence and sustained operational efforts, successfully tracked down members of the gang allegedly responsible for several violent robberies, kidnappings and destruction of property in parts of the state,” he said.
The Amotekun boss revealed that the gang leader, who allegedly received instructions from outside Ondo State, was arrested during a coordinated operation carried out by operatives of the security outfit.
“Their supply line was broken and apprehended, while other members of the syndicate were equally arrested during the operation,” he added.
Adeleye disclosed that the suspects had been transferred to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution because of the sensitive nature of the case.
He stated that the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in several criminal operations believed to have contributed to insecurity in the state over the past eight months.
“They confessed to several criminal activities involving many victims. Because of the sensitive nature of their operation, that is why we are handing them over to the sister security organisation,” he said.
The commander also assured residents that identified criminal hideouts in forest areas had been dismantled through joint security operations involving multiple agencies.
He explained that Ondo State’s vast forest reserves, which cut across six local government areas and share boundaries with three neighbouring states, had exposed the state to infiltration by criminal elements.
According to him, the ongoing operations involve collaboration between the police, military, DSS, Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeleye further said the agency was shifting focus from mere arrests to ensuring diligent prosecution of suspects.
“In the last one month, we concluded investigations and transferred about 142 suspects to courts of competent jurisdiction for offences ranging from kidnapping and cultism to anti-grazing violations and farmers-herders clashes,” he stated.
He added that another 64 suspects were currently being profiled and would face prosecution where necessary, while minor disputes could be resolved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
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