By: Ade Adeleke
The Ondo State Security Agency Network Codenamed Amotekun Corps, has foiled 35 kidnap cases and arrested some suspected kidnappers in connection with the crimes between May 2020 and till date.
The Security agency also within the period arrested 1000 suspects, waded into 515 herders/farmers clashes, foiled 35 kidnap cases and arrested kidnappers, two sets of illegal Gold miners, while it had handled 55 court cases.
The state Commander of the Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Akure, said the corps had attended to 2,633 criminal cases.
According to him, the Corps has arrested 1000 suspects, waded into 515 herders/farmers clashes, foiled 35 kidnap cases and arrested kidnappers, two sets of illegal Gold miners, while it has handled 55 court cases.
He added that the Corps has also impounded 26 cars and over 1000 Okada, totalling 2,633 cases from May 2020 to September 2021.
“Operation Amotekun” is the codename for the security initiative of the South West Governors under the leadership of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to address the wanton killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and other forms of criminalities in the state and the Southwest region.
In January 2019, the corps commander said a security Summit was held in January, 2019, where security stakeholders converged to brainstorm on how to evolve a lasting solution to the incessant kidnappings, herders and farmers clashes, violent crimes, drug abuse, cultism and ritual killings ravaging the South West.
The Corps Commander further narrated the objectives of the agency to include protection of lives and property in the state.
“We want to ensure that all persons travelling along the highways, major roads, remote areas, hinterland, forests, inland, waterways, and sea are free to carry out their normal social and economic activities without fear or hindrance.
“Also to ensure that the Corps assists the Police and other security agencies to carry out lawful activities aimed at maintaining law and order in the state,” he said.
Adeleye said one of the challenges facing the Corps was lack of the need to get legal backing to allow the Agency carry weapons commensurate with the firepower of criminals.
He added that the Corps need to secure large expanse of land for training camp/barracks for the Agency.
He also mentioned improved subvention to address officers’ welfare/training, maintenance of 24 hours surveillance and acquisition of hardware for officers.
