The Ondo State Security Network Agency codename Amotekun, has arrested 22 suspected criminals arrested by the agency within 14 days.
The state Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects on Tuesday, disclosed that Amotekun has deployed 1,200 personnel to check criminal activities across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
He also said that the corps has commenced 24-hour border patrol in the neighbouring states of Osun, Edo and Kogi and would be in place throughout the festive season.
According to Adeleye, 3 of the suspects were arrested for kidnapping, 19 for breaking down law and order and two for suspected robbery.
“We have one suspect for burglary and stealing of household items, two suspects for burglary and stealing of electronics. Conspiracy, burglary and stealing, we have three. Breaking and entering of houses, we have four. Stealing of copper wire, motorcycle, sewing machine, and cables, we have five suspects”, Adeleye said.
Equally, Adeleye said the corps arrested a syndicate that vandalizes electrical installations and transformers, and another group that engages in stealing of gasoline pumps, car tires, and removal of batteries.
Speaking about the kidnap suspects, Adeleye said the kidnap actually took place in a rubber estate in Edo State and the kidnappers were tracked down to the southern senatorial district of Ondo State.
After diligent investigation and tracking, men of the Ondo State security network agency were able to apprehend the primary suspects.
“But before then, some other suspects had been arrested by men of the state security services of Edo State. Rather than waste time on their prosecution in Ondo State and in the spirit of collaboration, we would release these two suspects to the office of the Director of state security services of Edo State for them to conclude and complete the trial of those that were apprehended”, he said.
Adeleye noted that Amotekun, in collaboration with other security agencies in Ondo State have mapped out a strategy to ensure that influx of visitors and so on do not increase crime rates in Ondo State.
“We will continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of lives and property during this yuletide period. What you will observe in a couple of days from now is the presence of Amotekun men at strategic locations and black spots everywhere within the 18 local governments. This will no doubt curtail the excesses of these criminals”, he said.
