The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arraigned over 142 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the state.
- +How Ondo Amotekun arrested notorious terror gang leader
The suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism to violations of the anti-grazing law and involvement in farmer-herder clashes.
The suspects were apprehended for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism to violations of the anti-grazing law and involvement in farmer-herder clashes.
Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, disclosed this at the weekend in Akure while briefing journalists on the agency’s recent operational successes, including the arrest of a notorious terror gang leader and three members of his group in one of the state’s forests.
Adeleye said the arrested gang members were linked to several kidnapping incidents and other security breaches recorded in the state in recent months. He added that the suspects had been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and prosecution.
According to him, the timely arrest of the gang during special operations by Amotekun operatives prevented planned attacks on critical public institutions in Akure and its environs, although the group had already carried out multiple kidnappings.
He further revealed that security agencies have intensified clearance operations across forest areas in Ondo State to flush out criminal elements, noting that the corps is now placing greater emphasis on prosecution while continuing to track down offenders.
Speaking on the operations, Adeleye disclosed that four members of another notorious criminal gang involved in violent robberies, kidnappings, and destruction of property were also arrested and handed over to the DSS.
“The state has witnessed a surge in criminal activities in recent months, including armed robbery and kidnapping,” he said. “However, through credible intelligence and the commitment of our operatives, we have been able to dismantle some of these criminal networks.”
He added that the gang, which had “very sinister motives,” was intercepted before executing further attacks.
“The group, which claimed responsibility for several violent robberies, kidnappings, and destruction of property, has been neutralised. The leader, who took directives from outside the state, was apprehended, their supply chain disrupted, and other members captured during a coordinated operation,” Adeleye stated.
