The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested no fewer than 35 suspected criminals linked to kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, and other offences in a major security crackdown across the state.
Parading the suspects, the State Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the arrests were the result of intensified surveillance operations, particularly during vulnerable periods such as religious gatherings.
Among those apprehended was a 28-year-old suspect identified as Ayodeji, who allegedly specialized in breaking into residential homes while occupants attended church services. Adeleye noted that increased monitoring during such periods played a crucial role in his arrest and that of others engaged in similar criminal activities.
According to the Amotekun boss, the suspects were arrested for various offences, including 19 cases of breach of law and order, 11 cases of kidnapping, three cases of human trafficking, and two cases of rape.
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In a disturbing human trafficking case, the commander revealed that the suspects allegedly defrauded a Ghanaian victim of ₵1.4 million under the false promise of securing a Canadian visa. The victim was reportedly held hostage for two weeks before managing to escape and report the incident to Amotekun operatives.
Adeleye also confirmed that the corps rescued two kidnapping victims—a father and his son—and arrested six individuals involved in motorcycle snatching.
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He listed some of the suspects to include Musa Momodu Abdullahi, David Shamisu Ismail, and others linked to kidnapping operations. Eyinloju Taiwo and Eyinloju Kejinde were arrested for conspiracy and attempted rape, while Modest, Mika, and Emmanuel were implicated in human trafficking activities.
The commander attributed a significant reduction in house break-ins and related crimes to the state government’s recent ban on night-time commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations.
He disclosed that over 14,000 motorcycle riders have been registered with the Amotekun Corps across the state’s 18 local government areas, while 120 motorcycles have been impounded for violating the restriction.
“The enforcement has already begun to yield results, with a noticeable reduction in criminal activities such as house break-ins and related offences,” Adeleye stated.
The registration exercise, he explained, is part of broader efforts to regulate motorcycle operations and curb insecurity linked to the sector.
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Recall that the Ondo State Government recently announced restrictions on motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for security personnel and other exempted individuals. The government also banned cart pushing in major urban areas and directed dealers in condemned scrap metal to register with Amotekun within a stipulated period.
Authorities have warned that defaulters of these directives will face strict sanctions as the state intensifies efforts to combat rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.
