By Ade Oyeyemi
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 15 suspected criminals, including three alleged kidnappers linked to the abduction of a poultry farmer and the killing of a woman in the state.
The suspects were paraded at the corps’ headquarters on Tuesday as its state commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, unveiled the agency’s operational achievements between August and October 2026.
Adeleye disclosed that the three principal kidnapping suspects were arrested through intelligence-led operations, adding that the rescued victim identified them and that they allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime.
He said the corps had also rescued another kidnap victim without paying ransom, noting that the individual was present during the parade to interact with journalists.
The commander explained that the 15 suspects were arrested for various alleged offences, including kidnapping, violations of the state’s anti-grazing law, burglary, theft, vandalism and the destruction of public property.
He identified some of the suspects as Ali Paty, Yusuf Paty, Sadiq, 27, and Mansur, 22, who were allegedly connected to kidnapping incidents in the state.
According to him, three of the suspects were linked to the Ibeju-Leki kidnapping incident, which occurred about two months ago, while another suspect, Mohammed, 22, was arrested over a separate abduction case in Aladodo.
On violations of the state’s anti-grazing law, Adeleye said two suspects, Usman and Suleiman, were arrested in Ile-Oluji for allegedly engaging in prohibited activities.
He added that Peter, 26; Lawal, 26; and Gabriel were apprehended over alleged theft, while a 40-year-old suspect, Oni, was arrested for allegedly stealing generators, television sets and mobile phones. The stolen items were reportedly recovered.
The commander also disclosed that four suspects, Dada, 26; Seyi, 24; Azam, 22; and Sunday, 19, were arrested for allegedly looting government schools in Ile-Oluji and Okeigbo.
He said the suspects were allegedly caught removing roofing materials from the schools after computers and other equipment had been stolen from the facilities.
Giving an account of the corps’ activities within the three-month period, Adeleye said 301 suspects were arrested across the state, with 27 cases resulting in convictions.
He explained that the convicted offenders were either serving various prison terms or had fulfilled conditions imposed by the courts, including payment of fines where applicable.
The corps also resolved 102 minor disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution, enabling the parties involved to reach peaceful settlements without prolonged legal proceedings.
Adeleye attributed the operational successes to the contributions of Amotekun ambassadors across the state’s 18 local government areas, undercover intelligence operatives, local hunters, community vigilantes and other personnel.
Amotekun launches Operation Laafia Dandan
The commander also announced the commencement of a new security initiative, Operation Laafia Dandan, aimed at strengthening crime prevention and improving public safety across Ondo State.
He said the operation was launched on behalf of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who, according to him, had expressed his desire to attend the event physically.
Adeleye conveyed the governor’s goodwill message, assuring residents that the state government remained committed to supporting security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He explained that the initiative would focus on improved intelligence gathering, surveillance, personnel development and more effective operational strategies.
As part of preparations for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the commander announced plans to deploy about 1,000 Amotekun personnel across the state to strengthen security during the festive period.
He said the deployment would cover all 18 local government areas, with particular attention to major highways, urban centres, border communities and identified security flashpoints.
According to him, Amotekun Rangers would intensify patrols around forest reserves to prevent kidnappers and other criminal elements from using the areas as hideouts.
He added that surveillance around identified black spots would be strengthened through electronic monitoring and other security measures.
Adeleye assured residents and visitors that the corps would maintain round-the-clock patrols on major roads, in forest reserves and across urban centres throughout the festive season.
He noted that the security arrangements would also cover travellers and other people entering or leaving the state.
Personnel undergo fresh training
The Amotekun commander further disclosed that the corps had commenced an extensive training and retraining programme for personnel across the 18 local government areas.
He said the exercise was designed to improve operational efficiency and equip officers with the skills required to tackle emerging security threats.
According to him, the training covers investigative procedures, criminal records management, arrest and prosecution processes, as well as technical capacity development for mechanics and drivers attached to the corps.
Adeleye said officers responsible for investigations and the preparation of criminal records were receiving additional training to ensure that cases were properly handled and successfully prosecuted.
He added that suspects whose investigations had been concluded would be charged before the appropriate courts, including the High Court and Magistrate Courts, depending on the nature and seriousness of the alleged offences.
The commander urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information, particularly as criminal activities could increase during the festive period.
He stressed that community participation remained essential to identifying suspicious movements, preventing criminal activities and ensuring the success of security operations.
Adeleye also appreciated the media for its coverage of the corps’ activities, saying responsible reporting had helped improve public awareness of security initiatives.
He commended residents for their cooperation and urged them to sustain their support by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and community-based security organisations to maintain peace and tackle criminality across Ondo State.
