Amidst reports of kidnapping of school children in the northern parts of the country, the ONDO State security Network codenamed AMOTEKUN Corps, has adopted new strategies of protecting schools in the state and border towns.
The corps also disclosed that the new security strategies included twenty-four hours patrols and other undisclosed efforts to prevent terror attacks in the state.
The AMOTEKUN Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye announced this in Akure while parading 16 suspected criminals including three kidnappers as part of success stories of the ongoing Ember months border patrol tagged ‘Operation Le Won Jade’.
The AMOTEKUN Commander noted that various security strategies were being executed in collaboration with other security agencies such as the Army, Police, DSS and NSCDC.
Adeleye explained that the surveillance of boarding schools became necessary following nationwide security breaches and kidnappings. “Over the past week, we have visited numerous schools, particularly those in border towns and outskirts, and mounted continuous surveillance to ensure the safety of students,” he said.
He noted that Amotekun has intensified 24-hour patrols, particularly along state borders, as part of the Ember Month security enhancement to safeguard lives and properties.
According to Adeleye, among those arrested are vandals who stole public facilities.
He opined that, “The 16 individuals include ten who broke public law and order, three kidnappers, and three for anti-grazing violations. Operation ‘Le Won Jade,’ which spans all 18 Local Government Areas of Ondo State, has been instrumental in driving away miscreants, bandits, and kidnappers from our forests, and this exercise continues alongside regular city patrols.”
He added that the suspects included Abubakar, a 24-year-old from Ogbese arrested for anti-grazing violations; Usman, arrested for stealing a drilling machine; and Olamiju, 35, along with Udofia and Miracle, apprehended as suspected kidnappers at Ala-Dada in Akure North.
Adeleye affirmed that the state has witnessed a sharp decline in criminal activities, highlighting compliance with the anti-open-grazing law and the effectiveness of joint patrols by security agencies.
