The Southwest Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has successfully foiled five kidnapping attempts within the past week, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Ondo State.
The Ondo State Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading 20 suspected criminals who were arrested for various crimes across the state at the Command’s Headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
He revealed that the Amotekun Rangers had, during the week under review, been active in combing the forests across the state, particularly in known flashpoints, to keep kidnappers at bay. He noted that, apart from thwarting the kidnapping attempts, the Corps also managed to rescue nine victims.
Adeleye highlighted that the Elegbeka axis, a notorious area for criminal activities, had been effectively raided and secured by the Corps’ operatives.
He assured the public that the Rangers had successfully infiltrated the entire forest area around Elegbeka to ensure the safety of commuters and safeguard lives and property.
“In the next few weeks, we are going to dominate the Ala, Ago Oyinbo, Ogbese, Jugbere, and Ifon forests,” Adeleye stated, expressing confidence that Amotekun’s proactive efforts would bring respite to communities previously plagued by insecurity.
Adeleye further disclosed that a 28-year-old kidnapping suspect, identified as Usman Abubakar, was arrested in Igbo Oba-Owo during one of the operations, adding that the suspect is currently in custody undergoing interrogation.
The Amotekun Commander reiterated the Corps’ resolve to make a significant impact on the security situation in the state and urged residents to cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and actionable information.
Continuing, Adeleye said: “We have three minors who belong to a family—husband, wife, and children—specialising in breaking into houses and stealing. For obvious reasons, we are not going to parade the minors.
“They are aged between 12 and 15 years. Regarding the enforcement of law and order, we have 15 suspects today. As for pending enforcement and infringements, nobody was arrested during the week under review.
“On land and chieftaincy issues, there were no infringements. Concerning the labour union, Ondo State has been peaceful in the last week. In relation to anti-grazing and farmers-herders clashes, only one suspect will be paraded today. As for human trafficking, there are no cases.
“For kidnapping, we have one suspect. He admitted to collecting two million naira from the victim and explained how they shared it, as well as how it reached their godfathers.
“As for students’ affairs, everything has been perfect in the last week, with no infringements. On militancy, there have been no issues. Political and religious activities have also been without problems. Regarding cultism, we have three suspects who were arrested with charms, arms, and ammunition.”
The security chief added: “On average, I want to say that the security situation in Ondo State is good.
“The infringement on the anti-open grazing law involves Muhammed Abubakar, who was arrested in Ita-Ogbolu.
“There is a suspect who was arrested in Akoko through the joint effort of the police, hunters, and Amotekun Corps. We are reviewing the case, and the investigation continues.
“Regarding the theft of motorcycles, we have Muyideen Olaleye. We also have Jimoh Sherif and Alex Idowu for receiving stolen motorcycles.
“On the theft of cocoa and plantain, we have Akinbinu Akinlolu. In Irun Akoko, we apprehended Bello Sunday.
“We have a family that specialises in breaking into houses, consisting of the husband, wife, and children—a family of robbers.”
He emphasised: “Destiny Johnson was arrested for breaking into a shop where phones were sold.
“For the theft of electrical cables and wires, we apprehended Lekan Omotosho. The unfortunate part is that the owner of the premises had done so much and was preparing to move into the house, only to arrive and find out that the entire place had been vandalised.
“They removed the cables, melted them down, and sold them as copper. On burglary, breaking, and entry, we apprehended Michael Oluwafemi and Falana Augustine.
“With this analysis, I want to place it on record that Ondo State is very safe for commuters, indigenes, and people engaged in legitimate businesses.”
He, however, warned the citizens of Ondo State to be cautious about what they purchase, saying: “May I please sound this note of warning: do not buy second-hand products without collecting the original, verifiable receipt of purchase.
“Due to the economic downturn, a lot of economic crimes are taking place. Please do not fall prey to these criminals,” he warned.
