The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has paraded 53 suspects arrested for various offences, including kidnapping, murder, rape, cultism, cattle rustling, armed robbery, impersonation and large-scale theft across the state.
Parading the suspects at the Corps headquarters in Akure, the Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrests were the result of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with local communities.
Adeleye raised concern over the increasing influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring West African countries, warning that some allegedly enter Ondo State under false identities and pretences.
He disclosed that 21 foreign nationals were arrested in Owo after allegedly renting two apartments while claiming to be phone repairers and labourers.
According to him, investigations showed that most of the suspects lacked valid ECOWAS travel documents, while some landlords had allegedly accommodated them without properly verifying their identities.
The Amotekun commander warned landlords against harbouring undocumented foreigners, stressing that those who knowingly accommodate illegal immigrants could be treated as accomplices when such individuals become involved in criminal activities.
Adeleye also revealed the arrest of four members of a self-kidnapping syndicate in Akure North. He said the suspects allegedly staged a fake abduction and circulated the incident on social media before Amotekun operatives uncovered the plot.
In another operation in Akoko, seven suspected kidnappers were arrested during a joint effort involving Amotekun personnel, Fulani farmers and herders, as well as community leaders.
The operation also led to the rescue of two kidnapped victims. One of the victims, according to Adeleye, sustained severe machete injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an Amotekun medical facility.
He commended Fulani leaders who assisted security operatives in identifying suspected criminal elements within their communities, urging law-abiding herders to sustain their cooperation with security agencies.
The commander further disclosed the arrest of suspects linked to murder, attempted murder and cult-related violence in Ode-Aye and Okitipupa, while another suspect was arrested in Idanre for allegedly impersonating an official.
In Akure, operatives also dismantled a diesel theft syndicate accused of stealing millions of naira worth of diesel from a quarry and construction company along the Ondo Road.
Items recovered from the operation included several containers of suspected stolen diesel, a stolen Golf vehicle, a Tiger generator, motorcycles, aluminium materials and other household items.
Adeleye said the suspects were arrested in Akure North, Ogbese, Akoko South-East, Idanre, Okitipupa, Owo and other parts of the state.
He reaffirmed Amotekun's commitment to sustaining peace and security across Ondo State through intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with residents.
The commander also thanked Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for security agencies and urged residents to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security operatives.
