In a major breakthrough against crime, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 38 suspects for various offences, including murder, kidnapping, vandalism, and illegal immigration across the state.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this on Wednesday while parading the suspects at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, described the arrests as another milestone in the agency’s relentless campaign to rid the state of criminals and sustain public safety.
“Today marks another milestone in our strife to rid Ondo State of criminal elements. We have 34 suspects being paraded for breaching law and order, two for kidnapping, and two for rape-related cases,” Adeleye said.
According to him, the corps’ zonal commanders and divisional officers had been directed to intensify surveillance and ensure that peace and safety of lives and property remain the corps’ top priority.
He declared that Ondo State remains one of the safest states in the federation, attributing this to the strong synergy between Amotekun and other security agencies.
Adeleye revealed that among those arrested was a notorious syndicate specializing in vandalizing government heavy-duty equipment. The suspects, he said, had consistently stolen parts of caterpillars and other government machinery until Amotekun operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted them.
“Our men caught up with them overnight after diligent surveillance. Though they opened fire on our operatives, we were able to subdue and arrest them without any casualties,” he recounted.
“Items recovered included caterpillar parts, engines, tires, and gas-cutting equipment used for dismantling machinery. Two buyers of the stolen equipment were also arrested, while two others remain at large.”
Adeleye also shed light on the recent gruesome murder of two men in Ago Dada, along the power line area of Akure North council area, disclosing that a suspect identified as Promise Etok, 45, confessed to acting as a spy for a kidnap syndicate.
“His main job was to alert kidnappers whenever Amotekun men were on the way. He has given us useful information we cannot divulge at this stage. Another suspect, arrested near the scene of the murder, was caught wearing military camouflage.
Adeleye said the man claimed to be a soldier and would be handed over to military authorities for verification.
In a related operation, Amotekun also intercepted 22 illegal immigrants from Benin Republic and Togo, allegedly brought into the country for undisclosed reasons.
The commander said they failed to provide any valid explanation for their presence in Nigeria and would be handed over to the Immigration Service for further investigation.
“Ondo State remains safe, but unsafe for criminals. Head or tail, Amotekun will catch you. The best advice is to stay away from crime,” he said.
He listed other suspects arrested for various crimes as Aderemi (35) for murder and kidnapping, Victor for murder in Ofosu, and several others — Mwazu, Sani, Mosund, James, and Sehidu — for vandalization of government property.
Fidelis David
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