..as Ondo Amotekun parades 46 suspects

The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating crime across the state, declaring that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State.

Adeleye made the statement while parading 46 suspects at the Amotekun Command Headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Addressing journalists, the Amotekun commander said the corps had sustained its security operations beyond the Eid-el-Kabir patrols, with all operational units actively deployed across the 18 local government areas of the state.

“The prevailing security situation made it imperative for us to continue what was initially designed as Sallah patrols. The Border Control Patrol, Amotekun Rangers, Operations Department, Commander’s Squad, and other operational units remain actively engaged across the state,” he said.

He noted that the agency’s sustained operations had led to the arrest and prosecution of several criminal suspects, warning criminals to steer clear of Ondo State as security agencies remained vigilant.

Adeleye also announced that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had approved the conditional release of motorcycles impounded for violating the state’s restriction on commercial motorcycle operations between 7:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

According to him, affected operators have a 15-day window to present the required documents and meet stipulated conditions for the release of their motorcycles. He, however, clarified that motorcycles linked to robbery, kidnapping, or other security-related offences are excluded from the governor’s directive.

The commander disclosed that several criminal cases involving suspects previously arrested by the corps are already being prosecuted in Magistrate and High Courts across Okitipupa, Owo, and Akure.

Among those paraded were members of a burglary and armed robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for breaking into homes across the state. Adeleye revealed that the gang recently burgled the residence of a prominent individual and carted away valuables.

“Within 24 hours, we were able to arrest the kingpin of the gang. Although two suspects are still at large, two others are being paraded today, and several stolen items, including expensive mobile phones, have been recovered,” he said.

The corps also paraded suspected kidnappers who were identified by their victims during the event. Adeleye said the suspects had confronted Amotekun operatives during an operation but were eventually subdued and arrested.

He disclosed that out of the 46 suspects paraded, 13 were arrested for kidnapping-related offences, two for violating the Anti-Open Grazing Law, while 31 others were apprehended for crimes including illegal possession of firearms, cultism, attempted murder, breach of peace, theft of iron materials, and other criminal activities.

Among the suspected kidnappers arrested were Muhammad Tati and several others apprehended in Owo, Akoko, Iluwabu, and other parts of the state. The commander also listed suspects arrested in connection with kidnapping activities along Oda Road, Eti-Oro, Roshukari, and the Owo Forest Reserve.

Adeleye further disclosed that suspects linked to a kidnapping incident in the Murewa axis, including two brothers identified as Usman and Zakaria, had been arrested. An alleged informant, Seidu, was also apprehended while attempting to deliver food and supplies to the kidnappers.

In addition, two suspects, Ayuba and Umaru, were arrested for violating the Anti-Open Grazing Law, while another suspect, Ayuba, was apprehended in Lale Community, Owo, for attempted murder.
Several other suspects were arrested for cultism-related offences, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted murder in Owo, Odigbo, Ikesi-Akoko, Irese, and other communities.

Adeleye assured residents that the state remains under constant surveillance and pledged that the corps would continue working to curb criminal activities and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.

“We are committed to maintaining peace and security across Ondo State. Our operations will continue until criminal elements are completely rooted out,” he said.

Insecurity: State Police Remains Best Option, Says South-West Amotekun Chief

The Chairman of the South-West Council of Amotekun Commanders and Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has reiterated the council’s call for the establishment of state police, describing it as the most practical and effective solution to Nigeria’s growing insecurity.


Adeleye made the position known while addressing security concerns in the country, stressing that decentralising the nation’s security architecture would enhance intelligence gathering, crime detection, and community-based policing.


According to him, the South-West security outfit has consistently maintained that state policing remains the most viable option for tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.


He noted that the successes recorded by the Amotekun Corps in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting criminals across the region have further strengthened the argument for a state-controlled policing structure.

“In the last couple of years, the position of the Council of Amotekun Commanders in the South-West has always been that state policing remains the only viable solution to the present insecurity in the country,” he said.


“Through the Amotekun initiative, it has become easier to identify criminals because security personnel are familiar with the terrain, the people, and the communities where they operate.”


The Amotekun chairman disclosed that the Ondo State Command alone has arrested more than 500 suspected criminals this year, many of whom have been successfully prosecuted.


“In many of those cases, the courts have vindicated our actions, and several of the suspects are currently serving various jail terms,” he added.


Adeleye described the proposed state police structure as a major step towards strengthening internal security and improving responses to emerging threats across the federation.


He also expressed the readiness of the South-West security network to align with any framework adopted by the Federal Government for the implementation of state policing.


“I think it is a giant stride in the right direction. State policing will help decentralise the security architecture of the country and bring security closer to the people.


“As far as the South-West is concerned, we are ready to adjust and conform with whatever framework is put in place to ensure the smooth take-off of state policing,” he said.


The renewed call comes amid increasing national conversations on police reforms and growing demands from stakeholders for a more community-driven approach to addressing insecurity across Nigeria.