Amotekun Uncovers Kidnap Networks, Arrests 97 Across Ondo

In furtherance of efforts to curb rising criminal activities and strengthen security across Ondo State, the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has paraded 97 suspected criminals arrested in coordinated operations conducted across the 18 local government areas of the state within the last 14 days.

The suspects were presented to journalists in Akure by the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed that the arrests covered a wide range of offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking, theft and violations of the state's anti-open grazing law.

According to Adeleye, several of those arrested confessed to acting as informants and suppliers for kidnappers operating within forest reserves across the state.

"We equally have some individuals who confessed to being informants and suppliers to kidnappers in the forest as well as confirmed members of kidnapping groups," he said.

The commander also expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing trend involving women travelling into forest areas with cooking utensils, bedding materials and household items. According to him, investigations revealed that some of the women claimed they were fleeing security challenges in parts of northern Nigeria and had been invited by individuals already residing in forest settlements.

Adeleye alleged that intelligence gathered from some of the suspects suggested attempts by criminal elements to establish new operational bases in remote parts of the state.

He further hinted that security operatives arrested individuals who disguised themselves as mentally ill persons in order to gather intelligence for criminal gangs.

"Some admitted they were paid to provide information. Others used the disguise to conceal their identities. We even visited hospitals where they obtained medical records to support the deception," he said.

The commander also revealed the arrest of suspected members of a robbery syndicate accused of invading homes at night under the pretence of being visitors before holding occupants hostage, stealing vehicles and forcing victims to transfer money electronically.

Amotekun said several stolen vehicles were recovered during the operations, including one allegedly used during an attack on security operatives before it was abandoned in a forest.

Adeleye attributed the successes recorded to sustained collaboration between Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.

He assured residents that efforts would continue to ensure criminal elements have no safe haven within the state.