JUST IN: ONDO AMOTEKUN ARRESTS 97 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, ROBBERS, ANTI-GRAZING OFFENDERS IN STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN

ONDO AMOTEKUN ARRESTS 97 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, ROBBERS, ANTI-GRAZING OFFENDERS IN STATEWIDE CRACKDOWN

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has announced the arrest of 97 suspected criminals linked to various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, and violations of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

The arrests were made during a series of coordinated security operations carried out across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State over the last two weeks, according to the state commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye.

Speaking on Sunday while briefing journalists on the latest security developments, Adeleye disclosed that the suspects were apprehended in connection with multiple criminal activities reported in several communities, including Ikare Akoko, Akure, Kajola, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Mure, Oja-Mokan, and surrounding areas.

According to the Amotekun commander, some of those arrested are believed to be members of organised armed robbery and kidnapping syndicates operating within the state, while others were linked to burglary, vehicle hijacking, theft operations, and breaches of Ondo State’s anti-open grazing regulations.

He stated that security operatives were able to dismantle a criminal syndicate involved in vehicle theft operations, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicles and the arrest of key suspects connected to the network.

Adeleye further revealed that investigations uncovered the involvement of several individuals who allegedly acted as informants and suppliers for kidnappers hiding in forest locations across the state.

He explained that some of the suspects admitted to providing logistical support to kidnapping gangs, including supplying food and intelligence to criminal groups operating in remote forest areas.

The commander also raised concerns over what he described as an emerging security threat involving groups of individuals relocating into forest areas with household belongings.

According to him, some suspects were arrested deep inside forest locations while carrying cooking utensils, bedding materials, mortars, pestles, and other personal items, suggesting long-term settlement activities in restricted areas.

During interrogation, some of those arrested reportedly claimed they were relocating due to security pressure from northern parts of the country. Investigators also discovered cases where individuals allegedly invited a small number of workers into the state, only for dozens of additional persons to arrive and settle in forest locations without clear explanations.

Adeleye said one suspect admitted inviting two workers but later discovered that the two individuals had brought more than 50 additional people into the forest settlement.

The Amotekun Corps commander described the development as suspicious and warned residents to remain vigilant as security agencies continue monitoring unusual movements across the state.

He reiterated the commitment of the Ondo State Security Network Agency to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, robbery, illegal settlements, and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

Authorities have not yet disclosed when the suspects will be formally charged, but investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to maintain peace and security across Ondo State.