The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 97 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle theft and violations of the state’s anti-open grazing law in a major crackdown across the state.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations carried out over the past two weeks across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, according to the state Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.
Speaking on Sunday, Adeleye disclosed that some of those arrested were members of kidnapping and armed robbery gangs operating in Ikare-Akoko, Akure, Kajola, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure and Oja-Mokan communities.
According to the Amotekun commander, the security outfit successfully broke up a criminal network responsible for several incidents in the state.
We arrested a total of 97 suspects within the last 14 days. Some were directly linked to kidnapping cases, while others were involved in robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking and violation of the anti-open grazing law,” Adeleye said.
He added that stolen vehicles had been recovered and principal suspects arrested, while some suspects confessed to acting as informants and suppliers for kidnappers hiding in forests.
“We also arrested individuals who admitted being members of kidnapping gangs and those supplying food and information to criminal groups operating in the forests, he stated.
Adeleye also revealed what he described as a disturbing trend involving groups of women and families relocating into remote forests with household items and personal belongings.
According to him, some suspects claimed they fled security operations in Northern Nigeria and were invited by associates to settle in forests within Ondo State.
He said one suspect admitted that although he had invited only two workers, the pair later brought 51 additional people into the area without his approval.
These individuals arrived with cooking utensils, mortars, pestles, bedding and personal effects, despite having no previous connection to the location. That development is highly suspicious, he said.
The Amotekun commander disclosed that several suspects were discovered deep inside forests with personal belongings, suggesting they had established illegal settlements.
He stressed that security agencies would continue to intensify surveillance and operations to prevent criminal elements from destabilising the state.
The latest arrests come amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and violent crimes across Nigeria. Authorities in Ondo State have repeatedly vowed to strengthen intelligence gathering and enhance collaboration with other security agencies to maintain peace and protect residents.
Observers say the success recorded by the Amotekun Corps highlights the increasing role of regional security outfits in tackling insecurity and combating criminal activities in the South-West.
