The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has disclosed that operatives of the corps arrested four members of a notorious criminal syndicate linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and violent attacks across the state.
Adeleye made the disclosure during a press briefing and parade of suspects held at the Amotekun headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
He noted that the state had witnessed rising cases of criminal activities in recent months, including armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, prompting intensified operations by security agencies.
“The corps, acting on credible intelligence and sustained operational efforts, successfully tracked down members of the gang allegedly responsible for several violent robberies, kidnappings and destruction of property in parts of the state,” he stated.
Adeleye revealed that the gang leader, who allegedly received directives from outside Ondo State, was apprehended during a fierce operation carried out by operatives of the security outfit.
He said, “Their supply line was broken and apprehended, while other members of the syndicate were equally arrested during the operation.”
The Amotekun commander stated that the four suspects had been handed over to the Department of State Services, DSS, for further interrogation and possible prosecution due to he sensitive nature of their activities.
He added that the suspects confessed to involvement in several criminal operations which allegedly contributed to the security instability experienced in the state over the last eight months.
He added, “They confessed to several criminal activities involving many victims. Because of the sensitive nature of their operation, that is why we are handing them over to the sister security organisation.”
The commander assured residents that criminal enclaves discovered in forest areas across the state had been dismantled, noting that security agencies had commenced massive joint clearance operations to flush out armed groups from the forests.
He explained that Ondo State’s vast forest reserves, which span six local government areas and border three neighbouring states, had made the region vulnerable to criminal infiltration.Regional business news
He said that the ongoing operation involves collaboration among the police, military, DSS, Amotekun Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Adeleye further disclosed that the state was now focusing more on prosecution than arrests, stressing that criminal suspects must face the full weight of the law.
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He continued, “In the last one month, we concluded investigations and transferred about 142 suspects to courts of competent jurisdiction for offences ranging from kidnapping and cultism to anti-grazing violations and farmers-herders clashes.”
He added that another 64 suspects are currently undergoing profiling and would be prosecuted where necessary, while minor disputes may be resolved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
