Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun Corps, have arrested four suspected bandits and handed them over to the Department of State Services, DSS, for further investigation and prosecution.
Corps Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye said the arrests followed credible intelligence on a gang that had operated in the state for eight months, particularly in Akure North LGA.
Two suspects were first apprehended. Information from them led Amotekun operatives to the gang’s hideout, where two more members were arrested after a gun battle.
Adeleye said the gang leader was among those caught and had admitted to orchestrating kidnappings, armed robberies, and other crimes in the state.
“Because of the sensitive nature of their activities, they are being handed over to the DSS for further interrogation and possible prosecution,” Adeleye disclosed to journalists during the parade of suspects.
According to him, the group had claimed responsibility for violent robberies, kidnappings, and destruction of property, with its leader receiving directives from outside the state. Their supply line was also broken during the operation.
Adeleye said the arrests should reassure residents that identified criminal enclaves in the forests have been dismantled, and operations will continue with the police, army, DSS, and civil defence.
He also disclosed that Amotekun concluded case files for 142 suspects in the past month and transferred them to courts for prosecution. The cases include kidnapping, anti-grazing violations, farmer-herder clashes, and cultism.
Another 64 suspected criminals are being profiled. Those with cases will be charged, while others may be resolved through alternative dispute resolution, he said.
He noted that Ondo’s six large forest reserves, which border three other states, have been hotspots for criminal activity. A joint clearance operation is ongoing to drive out criminal elements and improve security.
“We will not relent until the security of life and property is restored in the state,” Adeleye added.