Amontekun Parade 34 Suspects, Arrest 61 Others in Major Crackdown

No fewer than 95 suspected criminals have been apprehended in a sweeping security operation by Amotekun across Ondo State, with 34 suspects paraded publicly and 61 others currently undergoing profiling after being intercepted in different parts of the state.

Adetunji Adeleye, Amotekun Commander, disclosed that 61 of the 95 suspects were arrested while being transported in a trailer truck, particularly around the troubled Akure North axis.

“The arrests followed coordinated operations involving the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.

According to security officials, the intensified operations in recent weeks have yielded significant breakthroughs, especially in the restive Akure North area, which has recorded incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

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“Of the suspects paraded, 19 were arrested for breaching law and order, three were linked to anti-grazing-related disputes involving farmers and herders, while 12 were arrested in connection with kidnapping cases.

Those arrested over kidnapping-related offences include Victor (31), Jonathan (34), (35), Alil (27), Sani (20), Adeolu (44), Ayodeji (50), Abdullahi (24), Doman (25), Isaac (20), Peter (25), and Dada (42). They were apprehended in various locations including Ilu-Abo, Ayede Akure, Iloro, and Oba-Ile. Some of the suspects were arrested around the Akure North Airport axis and are currently under investigation”.

In a related development, a suspect identified as Velo was arrested for attempted fraud, ritual-related activities, and alleged kidnapping.

“On fraud and threat-to-life allegations, a 30-year-old man, David, was arrested, while Michael was apprehended for allegedly stealing money.

Security operatives also arrested Ali Abubakar, who reportedly confessed to stealing 50 cows belonging to another Fulani herder. He is said to have indicated willingness to recover some of the remaining cattle.

In separate incidents, Gbenga (27), Abiodun (37), and Adebayo (29) were arrested for allegedly stealing iron rods, roofing sheets, and a generator. Ajibade (31) was apprehended in Ajue for allegedly stealing an air conditioner”.

Monday (28) and Ibrahim (25) were also arrested for allegedly receiving stolen items from the Shasha area. Ibrahim was reportedly found in possession of the stolen materials at the time of arrest.

On illegal mining activities, a suspect identified as Usman was arrested for allegedly attempting to kill the owner of a plot of land the suspects claimed can ontained gold deposits.

Others arrested in connection with illegal mining include Abubakar, Aruna, Amodu (55), and Suleiman (20). Authorities said some of the suspects were also linked to kidnapping activities.

In connection with anti-grazing offences, Omaru, Jubril, and Azam were arrested for alleged violations.

Security agencies expressed optimism that the ongoing joint operations, particularly in Akure North, would restore peace and stability to affected communities.

The total number of suspects paraded in connection with the various offences stands at 34, while investigations continue on the remaining suspects.