The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested no fewer than 32 suspected criminals across the state.
The suspects were allegedly involved in crimes including kidnapping, violation of the anti-grazing law, conspiracy, attempted murder and theft.
Speaking on Sunday at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrests followed intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to Adeleye, 12 of the suspects were arrested for breaching public law and order, three for offences linked to anti-grazing and farmer-herder clashes, while 17 others were connected to kidnap-related crimes.
“Among the suspects is a group of three men who allegedly attempted to kill their Fulani employer after roasting 10 of his cows in Idoani. The suspects are Ibrahim, 40; Yunusa, 30; and Abdukadri, 25,” he said.
He added that in Oba Akoko, where several kidnapping cases had been recorded around Akungba Akoko, Amotekun operatives acted on intelligence, laid an ambush and arrested two suspects, Pius and John, aged 23 and 35 respectively, at the point where they believed a ransom exchange was to take place.
“Other collaborators are still at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them. We also arrested Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29, around Ile-Oluji and Ondo town in connection with criminal activities,” Adeleye said.
The commander further disclosed that in Akin Camp, Odigbo Local Government Area, operatives arrested Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu, aged between 22 and 35, and Abba Aliu, 29.
“One of the suspects had previously been arrested for kidnap-related offences but escaped from lawful custody. He was later re-arrested at Akin Camp, where the kidnapping incident occurred. The victims were successfully rescued and the suspects taken into custody,” he said.
In Agbogbo area of Akure, Adeleye said three persons were arrested while in possession of items they could not reasonably explain how they acquired.
“Additionally, four other suspects were arrested at the same Akure garage for conspiracy, assault and breach of public peace,” he added.
He also disclosed that Abdulahi, Kada and Useni were arrested for conspiracy, stealing and anti-grazing-related offences in Elegbeka Forest Reserve and Ifon.
“Also arrested was one Friday, aged 43, for breaking and stealing, while Yayah Abba was apprehended for stealing in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar, involving motorcycles and water pumps,” Adeleye said.
The Amotekun commander declared that Ondo State remained peaceful, noting that criminal activities were on the decline.
He recalled that the arrests came days after the corps intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck conveying 38 men suspected to have arrived from the northern part of the country.
According to him, the suspects, who were intercepted at the Cathedral area of Akure, could not give a definite destination within the state during interrogation.
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