The local security outfit, Amotekun Corps, in Ondo State has paraded 164 suspects arrested during a week-long clearance operations across the state.
Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the Corps Commander, disclosed this during the parade in Akure.
He said pointing that the suspects were arrested for various offences, including three cases of suspected kidnapping, 144 breaches of law and order, one rape case, 15 cases of human trafficking, and one violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
Also, Adeleye revealed the arrest of another suspect who allegedly specialises in burgling homes during religious services.
He said some of the suspects were arrested in Obasooto, Eyin Ogbese in Owo, as well as Alagbaka and Oloko areas of Akure, for alleged involvement in armed robbery and kidnapping. He added that one was linked to armed robbery, while another was arrested over alleged murder and rape.
Other suspects aged between 26 and 35, were accused of arson and escape from lawful custody, and offences ranging from conspiracy and abduction to assault on security personnel.
The commander further listed others aged between 20 and 38 apprehended for conspiracy, breach of peace, possession of stolen motorcycles, and for allegedly aiding human trafficking and defrauding unsuspecting victims in Akure.
Similarly, others aged between 24 and 32 were arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law and destroying farm produce, motorcycle theft, burglary and theft of phones and accessories.
In separate operations, two others were apprehended in Itaogbolu, Akure North, for conspiracy and theft.
Adeleye said several stolen items, including motorcycles, generators, steel, and iron materials, were recovered from the suspects.
While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment and necessary support for security agencies, he noted that joint operations involving Amotekun, the police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services (DSS) had significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other crimes in the state.
The Amotekun boss further disclosed that 144 individuals were intercepted while being transported in a trailer concealed under books.
He said many of them claimed to be new arrivals from the northern part of the country without any clear means of livelihood.
According to him, such individuals are profiled and escorted back to their states of origin to forestall potential security threats.
On the ongoing registration of commercial motorcyclists, Adeleye revealed that over 15,000 riders across the 18 local government areas have been registered.
He added that only certified and accredited riders would be allowed to operate, as part of efforts to distinguish legitimate operators from criminal elements.
