Amotekun Parades 61 Suspects as Ember Month Patrol Yields Major Breakthroughs Across Ondo
Date: 30th December, 2025
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, on Tuesday paraded 61 suspects arrested during its ongoing Ember Month patrol, marking what the agency described as a significant stride in efforts to rid the state of criminal activities.
Addressing journalists during the parade, the Amotekun leadership thanked residents for their cooperation and support throughout the year, assuring that security operations would not abate as the Ember Month patrol winds down. According to the agency, the special patrol ends tomorrow, but Operation Le Jade Phase Two will commence on January 1, while the 24-hour, seven-day patrol and forest-based operations by Amotekun Rangers will continue across the state.
The corps disclosed that about 100 suspects were arrested across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State during various operations while 61 suspects paraded, 50 were arrested for breaches of law and order, two for violations of anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related offences, and three for gender-based abuse and rape.
The agency described the arrests as the outcome of coordinated operations by officers and men of the Ondo State Security Network Agency aimed at flushing out criminal elements. It also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security operations. Appreciation was further extended to sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the DSS, local vigilantes, and members of the public.
Providing details of specific arrests, Amotekun said two suspects — Mustafa, 34, and Philip, 45 — were apprehended at the scene of a kidnapping operation around the Ofosio area of Odigbo. In Isua Akoko, three suspects identified as Idris, 18; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 20; and Lawal Idris, 23, were arrested in connection with kidnapping-related offences.
On rape and assault involving Amotekun officers, the corps paraded three suspects — Daniel Ojo, 19; Usman, 33; and Bejide, 41 — who were arrested in Isinkan. For armed robbery, a 30-year-old Ola Tunbosun, alongside Ibrahim and Shahidu, were arrested at the shoreline axis of Akure North, Oba Akoko, and Oba Ile.
The agency also highlighted renewed operations in the Elegbeka axis, a notorious black spot linked to armed robbery and kidnapping. Due to persistent criminal activities in the area, Amotekun established a control post deep within the Elegbeka forest. A few days ago, 39 suspects were arrested in the forest, with many claiming they were relocating from northern parts of the country due to intensified security pressure there.
Amotekun said the suspects are currently being profiled, adding that those without incriminating items may be sent back, while those found with weapons or suspicious materials would face prosecution. The corps reiterated the state government’s directive that anyone residing in forest areas must obtain proper permits, stressing that the sudden influx of people into forest reserves raises serious security concerns.
In another major operation, the command said it dismantled a robbery gang that had terrorized parts of Ondo State in recent weeks. The gang allegedly carried out a robbery in the heart of Akure, stealing a car displayed for sale and dispossessing residents of valuables. One suspect reportedly confessed that the gang planned to move the stolen vehicle from Akure to Abuja for sale. A commercial taxi used in dispossessing passengers of their belongings was also recovered and displayed.
According to Amotekun, the gang’s modus operandi involved operating in densely populated areas, picking unsuspecting passengers, and pretending to accommodate another passenger who would turn out to be a gang member. At gunpoint, victims were robbed of phones and money before being forced out of the vehicle. Three suspects and the taxi were recovered. The agency cautioned residents to be vigilant, particularly of taxis without proper painting or readable registration numbers.
Responding to questions from journalists, Amotekun disclosed that suspects arrested in the Elegbeka forest were between the ages of 18 and 45. The agency explained that profiling was necessary to establish why they were found in a known criminal hideout during active patrols.
On the total number of arrests made during the Ember Month patrol, the corps said comprehensive statistics would be released at the next parade after the operation officially concludes. It, however, assured that all suspects found culpable are charged before courts of competent jurisdiction.
Amotekun further clarified that the 39 suspects in the forest were not trekking but were hiding in the bush with two vehicles parked some distance away. On questions about a possible shootout with suspected robbers, the agency emphasized the distinction between robbery and stealing, without confirming any exchange of gunfire.
Addressing concerns over the influx of fleeing criminals from other regions due to military operations, Amotekun confirmed that some of the suspects claimed they came from Sokoto State. The corps said enhanced synergy among Amotekun formations across Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states has strengthened border patrols, leading to arrests beyond state boundaries.
The agency revealed that some suspects were tracked and brought back from Ogun State, adding that investigations were ongoing in cases involving cattle and suspected criminal syndicates before further parades would be conducted.
