…..Parades 34 other Suspected Criminals.
Amidst waves of kidnapping in Akure North local government area, officers of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, have apprehended 61 northerners who were hidden in a truck convening bags of beans to Akure, the state capital.
The suspects were to be dropped in communities in Akure North local government area which are notoriously known for crimes in recent times especially kidnapping at Ilu-Abo, Oba-Ile, Ayede Ogbese and other adjoining villages.
Similarly, Amotekun Corps also arrested 34 suspected criminals for various infractions including breach of law and order, armed robbery, kidnapping, contravention of anti-grazing law and stealing.
The State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who announced this while parading the suspects, pointed out that while a total of 95 suspected criminals are currently in custody, only 34 were physically paraded, while 61 others are still undergoing profiling.
The Commander said 12 suspects were arrested over kidnapping-related offences, with several picked up in Ilu-Abo Akure, Ayede-Akure, Iloro Camp and Ogbese. Three suspects were arrested over anti-grazing violations, while 19 were held for breaching law and order.
He opined that the arrests followed weeks of coordinated security operations involving Amotekun, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.
Answering questions about rising kidnapping cases around Oba-Ile/ Ilu -Abo axis, Adeleye said Amotekun Rangers have established two strategic Posts in the forest and deployed officers in the areas.
He noted that the corps is working closely with community monitors and vigilante groups, and has successfully foiled five kidnapping attempts in the areas through joint efforts.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained collaboration to nip crime in the bud across Ondo State.
Adetunji Adeleye, Amotekun Commander, disclosed that 61 of the 95 suspects were arrested while being transported in a trailer truck, particularly around the troubled Akure North axis.
“The arrests followed coordinated operations involving the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.
According to Adeleye, the intensified operations in recent weeks have yielded significant breakthroughs, especially in the restive Akure North area, which has recorded incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“Of the suspects paraded, 19 were arrested for breaching law and order, three were linked to anti-grazing-related disputes involving farmers and herders, while 12 were arrested in connection with kidnapping cases.
“Those arrested over kidnapping-related offences include Victor (31), Jonathan (34), (35), Alil (27), Sani (20), Adeolu (44), Ayodeji (50), Abdullahi (24), Doman (25), Isaac (20), Peter (25), and Dada (42). They were apprehended in various locations including Ilu-Abo, Ayede Akure, Iloro, and Oba-Ile.
“Some of the suspects were arrested around the Akure North Airport axis and are currently under investigation”.
The Amotekun Chief expressed optimism that the ongoing joint operations, particularly in Akure North, would restore peace and stability to affected communities.
