The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has said its sustained security operations in forest reserves and rural communities have led to a significant reduction in kidnapping cases across the state.
The Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during an interview at the agency's headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, attributing the improvement to increased deployment of forest rangers, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies.
Adeleye explained that after security operatives successfully curtailed herders-farmers clashes, kidnappers shifted their activities to the state's forests, prompting the government to strengthen Amotekun's presence in vulnerable areas.
According to him, the corps has stationed rangers in about 30 strategic locations within forest reserves to enhance surveillance and ensure swift response to security threats.
He noted that while Ondo possesses one of the largest forest belts in the country, making it impossible to monitor every location, the agency has prioritised the protection of communities, schools, hospitals and farmlands, while encouraging residents to make use of its emergency lines to report suspicious activities.
The Amotekun commander said many suspected kidnappers arrested by the corps had been arraigned in court, adding that victims had identified suspects in more than 50 ongoing criminal cases.
He said the arrests and prosecutions had discouraged criminal elements from operating in the state.
He credited the agency's achievements to close cooperation with traditional rulers, local vigilantes, hunters, forest guards and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeleye revealed that Amotekun recently carried out joint forest clearance operations with the Nigerian Army in Akure North Local Government Area, while similar operations were conducted with the NSCDC in other parts of the state to flush out criminal hideouts.
He maintained that the partnership among security agencies had strengthened efforts to secure forests and major highways across the state.
The commander urged governments to tackle youth unemployment, describing joblessness as a major factor driving kidnapping and other crimes.
He also advocated improved road infrastructure in forest communities, increased investment in agriculture and expanded employment opportunities to discourage criminality.
He further called for greater investment in modern security equipment, especially drones and surveillance technology, noting that difficult terrain and poor access roads often slow down security operations.
Adeleye stressed that intelligence supplied by residents remains critical to successful security operations, warning that kidnappers often rely on collaborators within communities.
He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the corps through the strengthening of the Amotekun Rangers and the establishment of border patrol units along the Ondo-Ogun, Ondo-Ekiti and Ondo-Osun boundaries.
According to him, the round-the-clock border patrol operations introduced in the last three months have played a key role in reducing kidnapping incidents across the state.
While acknowledging that no society is completely free of crime, Adeleye expressed confidence that sustained collaboration, improved intelligence gathering and the deployment of advanced security technology would further curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in Ondo State.
He also appealed to youths involved in criminal activities to embrace legitimate means of livelihood through vocational training and agriculture, while urging government to provide the necessary support to empower them productively.
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