The Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has arrested 28 suspects of crimes, destroyed a dreaded kidnapping syndicate, freed an abducted victim, and recovered over 75 per cent of the ransom demanded for her, in a great breakthrough on the battle against crimes of violence in the state, security officials said.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye (SAN), the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, said the arrests had occurred after intelligence analysis activities that have been ongoing across various parts of the State for the last two weeks.
The suspects arrested were charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, burglary, rape, stealing and unlawful possession of gun, Adeleye said, alluding to the new offensive of the corps against criminal offences within the state.
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He said that operatives had received credible intelligence which led it to be able to track and dismantle a kidnapping network and arrived at rescuing a kidnap victim.
He said that more than 75 per cent of the amount ransom was found before the arrest of the members of the syndicate by security officers.
Some exhibits such as weapons, ammunition, motorcycles, mobile phones and other gadgets related to criminal activities were retrieved during the operations, the Amotekun commander stated. He said They are continuing their probe in order to catch other runaway members of the syndicate and identify potential collaborators.
Adeleye reiterated the Corps’ resolve to continue their aggressive war against kidnappers and other criminals, noting that Ondo State would not be made a hideout for criminals.
He advised residents to continue their cooperation with security agencies to furnish timely and credible information and intelligence that would help prevent crime.
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He also cautioned people involved in kidnapping or other violent activities to stop what they are doing, or face harsh punishment as all suspects would be prosecuted after investigations.
The new operation coincided with security concerns being escalated in some parts of the South-West, where states supported security bodies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) have started ramp up their partnership with them to fight kidnapping and armed robbery and other organised crimes.
