Amotekun arrests 97 suspects, intercepts groups moving into Ondo forests with household items

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Ondo State Security Network Corps (Amotekun) has arrested 97 suspects across the state in a broad operation targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft and breaches of the anti-open grazing law.

Parading the suspects at Amotekun’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye warned of a recent influx of people from northern Nigeria into forest communities across Ondo.

“Security operatives intercepted several groups — including women and children entering forested areas carrying household items such as bedding, cooking utensils, mortars and pestles,” he said.

Those paraded include people detained in Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo (Akure North), Murewo and Ojoma Camp for alleged involvement in kidnappings and armed robberies.

Adeleye said two suspects arrested in Akure were posing as mentally ill to gather intelligence for criminal gangs. The men allegedly admitted receiving payments to supply information to kidnappers and had obtained hospital cards to bolster their disguise.

The commander also disclosed that operatives busted a robbery syndicate that reportedly posed as visitors before attacking residents, coercing victims to transfer money electronically and stealing vehicles.

In one instance, a man who initially requested two labourers reportedly received 51 additional persons who later moved into a nearby forest with their belongings.

Another group of 16 people was intercepted en route to the Ose–Owo forest corridor, an area that has experienced security problems in recent years.

Adeleye credited the arrests to close collaboration between Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.

He said suspects with no criminal links would be returned to their states of origin in cooperation with community leaders, while those tied to criminal activity would face prosecution.