The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested 51 suspected criminals in a series of operations across the state’s 18 local government areas and forest reserves.
Parading the suspects at the Corps’ headquarters in Akure on Friday, the State Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrests were linked to crimes including kidnapping, breach of public order, rape, human trafficking, and violations of the anti-open grazing law.
According to him, six of the suspects were identified as members of a kidnapping syndicate. One of them, described as the group’s armourer, confessed to participating in five abductions within the state.
Adeleye further disclosed that some suspects posed as hawkers and scrap collectors while secretly acting as informants for kidnappers and armed robbers.
Others included a 42-year-old man accused of human trafficking and a repeat offender, Agu Joseph, who escaped from Okitipupa Custodial Centre before being rearrested.
Out of the 51 suspects, Adeleye said 35 will face prosecution in court, while the rest will go through internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
He warned criminal elements to steer clear of Ondo State, stressing that Amotekun remains determined to protect lives, property, and investments.
“Ondo State is not safe for criminals. Pack your things and go. Our duty is to ensure that this state remains secure for its people and for investors,” he declared.
The Amotekun Corps was established in 2020 as part of a regional security initiative by South-West governors to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, herder-farmer clashes, and cross-border banditry.