Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested a total of 32 suspected criminals in coordinated operations across the state, targeting kidnapping rings, theft syndicates, anti-grazing violations, conspiracy and other serious offences, the command announced on Sunday.
The arrests were confirmed at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure by the State Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, who said the feats stemmed from intensified surveillance and intelligence-led operations conducted in collaboration with other security agencies to curb rising criminal activities across Ondo State.
According to Adeleye, of the 32 suspects taken into custody: 17 were connected to kidnap-related crimes, 12 were arrested for breach of public law and order, and 3 were detained for offences related to anti-grazing laws and farmer-herder clashes.
Detailing some of the cases, Adeleye disclosed that three men, Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30) and Abdukadri (25), were arrested in connection with an attempted murder and alleged cattle theft in Idoani, where they reportedly “roasted 10 of their Fulani employer’s cows.”
In Oba Akoko, a hotspot for recent kidnappings around Akungba Akoko, Amotekun operatives acted on actionable intelligence and laid an ambush that resulted in the arrest of two suspects, Pius and John, aged 23 and 35, at a location thought to be the site of a ransom exchange.
The commander noted that “other collaborators are still at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.” Additionally, suspects including Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal (aged between 24 and 29) were arrested in Ile-Oluji and Ondo town in connection with various criminal activities.
Amotekun’s operations were not limited to kidnapping. In Akin Camp, Odigbo Local Government Area, officers arrested Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (22–35) and Abba Aliu (29), while three persons in Agbogbo area of Akure were taken into custody after being found with items they could not reasonably explain.
At an Akure garage, four other suspects were arrested on charges of conspiracy, assault and breach of public peace, Adeleye said. He also listed arrests in Elegbeka Forest Reserve and Ifon where Abdulahi, Kada and Useni were seized in connection with conspiracy, stealing and anti-grazing related offences.
In another development, a suspect named Friday (43) was arrested for breaking and stealing, and Yayah Abba, together with Masadi and Abubakar, were apprehended over alleged thefts involving motorcycles and water pumps.
Adeleye described the arrests as part of a broader effort to maintain peace and security, declaring that “Ondo State remained peaceful, noting that criminal activities were on the decline.”
The recent spate of arrests comes amid heightened security vigilance by Amotekun and other agencies in the South-West region. The corps has been actively involved in combating kidnapping, violent crime and anti-grazing disputes, part of broader efforts to reassure farmers and residents of safety in their communities.
Amotekun’s commander also noted a growing influx of young, unemployed men from northern parts of the country into the state without clear purpose, underscoring ongoing security challenges and the need for community cooperation with law enforcement.
Authorities say investigations into the arrested suspects and efforts to track additional collaborators are ongoing, as security operatives seek to further dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.
