The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, on Wednesday paraded 70 suspects arrested across the state for various criminal offences, including kidnapping, cultism, human trafficking and violations of law and order.
Addressing journalists, the Commander of the Corps said that out of the 70 suspects, 39 were arrested for offences bordering on breach of law and order, while 18 others were suspected kidnappers apprehended in different parts of the state.
He added that one suspect was arrested for violating the anti-grazing law, one for human trafficking, while 11 suspects were linked to cult-related activities.
The commander explained that the arrests were part of ongoing joint security operations aimed at combating rising criminal activities in the state.
According to him, the operation was carried out in collaboration with security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services.
He noted that intelligence-driven raids conducted last week also led to the arrest of about 99 suspects at identified criminal hideouts.
“In today’s parade, we have 70 suspects arrested across the 18 local government areas of the state. Among them are 18 suspected kidnappers. Many of their victims have already identified them, and investigations are ongoing,” he said.
The commander said that after thorough investigation and profiling, the suspects would be prosecuted in courts of competent jurisdiction.
Night ban on motorcycles
As part of efforts to curb criminal activities, the state government also announced a total restriction on the use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. across the state.
The restriction, which takes immediate effect, excludes only security agencies and other essential services certified by the government.
He explained that the directive was aimed at curbing the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals who often use motorcycles to perpetrate crimes at night.
“All Okada riders in the state are required to register with the Amotekun Corps and obtain certified documents of eligibility within the next two weeks,” he said.
The commander added that the registration would be free within the two-week window, after which operators would be required to pay a registration fee to the state Board of Internal Revenue.
Other security directives
The corps also announced additional security measures introduced by the Ondo State Government to strengthen public safety.
These include a ban on cart-pushing activities in major metropolitan areas, mandatory registration of scrap metal dealers and the prohibition of displaying farm produce for sale in unauthorized locations.
The commander said intelligence reports revealed that some makeshift roadside markets were being used as monitoring points by criminal elements within urban centres.
He urged residents to comply with the directives and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and order in the state.
Forest operations
Meanwhile, the commander disclosed that security agencies had intensified joint operations in forest reserves across the state where criminal elements were believed to be hiding.
According to him, personnel from Amotekun, the police, civil defence, the military and the DSS had begun coordinated patrols and surveillance operations, including the deployment of drones for night missions.
He said the operations had already yielded results, including the rescue of three kidnapped victims during a recent operation in a forest area near Ilu-Abo community.
The commander reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to combat criminality and ensure the safety of residents.
“Ondo State remains one of the safest states in the South-West, and we are resolute in improving the security architecture of the state,” he said.