Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency have arrested four suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks across parts of Ondo State.
The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during a press briefing and parade of suspects held at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.
Adeleye said the arrests followed intensified security operations launched in response to rising cases of kidnapping, robbery and other violent crimes recorded in the state in recent months.
According to him, the suspects were apprehended after intelligence-driven operations targeted at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
The commander explained that the syndicate was allegedly responsible for several cases of violent robbery, abduction and destruction of property in different communities.
He added that the gang leader, who reportedly received instructions from outside Ondo State, was captured during a coordinated operation by Amotekun operatives.
Adeleye stated that the group’s supply channel was disrupted during the raid, leading to the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
He further disclosed that the suspects had been handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation and possible prosecution due to the sensitive nature of the case.
According to him, the suspects confessed to participating in several criminal operations linked to the insecurity experienced in parts of the state over the past eight months.
The Amotekun boss assured residents that security agencies had dismantled criminal hideouts located in forest areas across the state through ongoing joint clearance operations.
He noted that Ondo’s expansive forest reserves, which stretch across six local government areas and share boundaries with three neighbouring states, had made the state vulnerable to infiltration by armed groups.
Adeleye said the operation involved collaboration among the police, military, DSS, Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He added that the state government was now placing greater emphasis on prosecution rather than mere arrests to ensure offenders face justice.
According to him, about 142 suspects were arraigned before courts within the last one month for offences including kidnapping, cultism, anti-grazing violations and clashes between farmers and herders.
He said another 64 suspects were currently undergoing profiling and would be prosecuted where necessary, while minor disputes could be resolved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.