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The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has announced the arrest of 97 suspects linked to various criminal activities across the state during a two-week security operation.
The suspects were arrested for offenses ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery and burglary to vehicle theft and violations of the state’s anti-open grazing law, according to the agency.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Ondo Amotekun Corps Commander, Akogun Adeleye, said the arrests were made in a coordinated operation carried out in 18 local government areas of the state.
He disclosed that some of those arrested were allegedly linked to kidnapping and armed robbery networks operating in communities such as Ikare Akoko, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure and Oja-Mokan.
Giving details of the operation, Adeleye said, “I have a total of 97 suspects arrested in 18 local government areas of Ondo State in the last 14 days. Some were arrested directly in connection with kidnapping related cases. Others were arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law in Ondo State. Some were arrested for robbery and burglary, while others were arrested in connection with hijacking and vehicle theft.
“We have successfully dismantled a syndicate operating in Ondo State. The stolen vehicles and several key suspects have been arrested. We also have several individuals who claim to be informants and suppliers for the kidnappers in the forest, and are confirmed to be members of the kidnapping group.”
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The commander disclosed that the investigation also uncovered the activities of individuals suspected of providing logistical support to criminal gangs hiding in forests across the state.
According to him, several suspects were found living inside forest settlements with household items and personal belongings, raising new concerns about illegal occupation of remote areas.
Drawing attention to what he described as an emerging security threat, Adeleye said that security operatives had observed an influx of people moving into the forest location under suspicious circumstances.
“I would like to inform the general public about a new trend in crime that we have observed. It involves women of all ages traveling by vehicle into the interior of the forest carrying household utensils, mortars and pestles, sleeping mats, cooking utensils and personal items.
“Upon interrogation, they confirmed that they were fleeing from security pressure in the North. They also admitted that they were invited by some members of the northern group to come and destabilize the peace in the southern part of the state, which was previously very peaceful.”
“One of the suspects told us that he only invited two people to work for him, but the two men brought 51 other people. The man who invited them confirmed that he only asked for two workers. These people then took another 51 people into the forest, filled with various items, to an area they had never visited before. This is very suspicious,” said the commander.
Adeleye said the agency remains committed to maintaining surveillance and intelligence-based operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing the establishment of illegal camps within Ondo forests.
He also urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to maintain peace and security across the state.
