The Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun, on Friday paraded no fewer than 32 suspects arrested for a string of offences including kidnapping, illegal grazing, conspiracy, assault and theft across various locations in the state.
Speaking at the command headquarters in Akure, the state capital, the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were picked up through heightened surveillance and intelligence-driven operations conducted alongside other security outfits.
Adeleye, who raised concerns over what he described as a surge of idle young men trooping into the state from the northern axis, disclosed that many of them could not provide lawful explanations for their visit.
According to him, operatives have stepped up profiling efforts and would continue to repatriate persons without genuine reasons to remain in the state.
He dismissed a viral online report claiming bandits had launched an attack on Akure, saying the rumour was baseless and not supported by any security intelligence.
Adeleye, however, confirmed that operatives recently intercepted a truck conveying 42 individuals concealed alongside bitumen drums, adding that investigations into the matter were underway.
Giving a breakdown of the latest arrests, the commander explained that 12 suspects were apprehended for breach of public order, three for anti-grazing offences linked to farmer-herder clashes, while 17 were arrested in connection with kidnapping cases recently recorded in the state.
Among those paraded were three men identified as Ibrahim, 40; Yenusa, 30; and Abdukadri, 25, who allegedly rustled 10 cows and attempted to kill their owner at Idoani.
Adeleye further revealed that intelligence-led operations in Oba Akoko led to the arrest of two kidnap suspects — Pius, 23, and John, 35 — as they attempted to pick up ransom money.
Other members of the gang are currently on the run.
More arrests were made around Ile-Oluji, Ondo town, Akindada Camp and Odigbo, where operatives picked several suspects, including a man earlier detained for kidnapping who allegedly escaped from custody before being recaptured.
Additional arrests took place at Agbogbo-Akure and Benin-Akure garages where suspects were held for conspiracy, assault and possession of unexplained items.
Operatives also made arrests at Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon for theft, anti-grazing violations and possession of stolen property, alongside suspects caught with stolen motorcycles and water pumps in other parts of the state.
Adeleye assured residents that the state remains secure, noting that the crackdown has led to a noticeable decline in crime.
He said all suspects have been transferred to relevant agencies for prosecution while the manhunt for fleeing accomplices continues.
“Our men are combing the forests to pick up the masterminds. The situation is still unfolding, and we will release further details as investigations advance,” he said.