Amotekun Sweeps Across Ondo, Arrests 97 Suspects in Major Anti-Crime Operation
14 June, 2026 Akure, Ondo State
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has arrested 97 suspects across the state’s 18 local government areas in a sweeping security operation targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and violations of the anti-open grazing law.
Speaking during the parade of suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said several of those arrested were linked to kidnapping networks, while others were apprehended for robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking, and related offences.
Adeleye disclosed that operatives dismantled a notorious vehicle theft syndicate operating across Ondo State, recovering stolen vehicles and arresting key members of the gang.
The commander also revealed that some suspects confessed to acting as informants and logistics suppliers for kidnappers hiding in forest locations, while others were identified as active members of kidnapping gangs.
In a development that has raised fresh security concerns, Adeleye said Amotekun intercepted groups of individuals, including women, travelling into forest areas with household items such as bedding, cooking utensils, mortars, and pestles. Investigations, he noted, suggested that some of the movements may have been linked to attempts to establish camps in remote locations.
According to him, one suspect admitted inviting two labourers to work on his farm, but the individuals allegedly arrived with 51 others in trucks carrying personal belongings. Another group of 16 persons was intercepted en route to the Ose-Owo forest corridor under similar circumstances.
Among the suspects paraded were several individuals arrested in communities including Ikare, Kajola, Akure, Ilu-Abo, Akure North, Murewo, and Ojoma Camp for alleged involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery activities.
Adeleye further revealed that two suspects arrested in Akure allegedly posed as mentally ill persons to gather intelligence for criminal groups. The suspects reportedly confessed to receiving payments for supplying information to criminal elements and even obtained hospital cards to support their disguise.
The Amotekun commander also recounted how operatives dismantled a robbery syndicate known for disguising themselves as visitors before attacking residents, forcing victims to transfer money and stealing their vehicles.
He attributed the agency’s recent successes to strong collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Army.
Adeleye praised residents for providing timely intelligence and commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the agency, particularly through the approval of full government funding for the Orange Insurance Scheme covering Amotekun personnel and their families.
On the fate of the suspects, the commander said investigations and profiling had been concluded. Individuals found without criminal links would be returned to their states of origin in collaboration with community leaders, while those connected to criminal activities would be prosecuted.
He reassured residents that Ondo State remains secure and urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
“If you see something, say something. Prompt reporting of suspicious activities will help security agencies prevent crimes before they occur,” Adeleye stated.
