The Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun in Ondo State, has arrested three suspected kidnappers and 19 other suspects within 14 days across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of Amotekun Corps, disclosed on Tuesday in Akure that the other arrested suspects committed offences like robbery, stealing, housebreaking and motorcycle theft, among others.

He charged the residents to ensure all their second-hand products had the relevant receipts covering the purchase.

Mr Adeleye said the command also arrested syndicates that vandalised electrical installations and transformers and another group that engaged in stealing gasoline pumps and car tyres and removing batteries.

“We have three suspects arrested for kidnapping, two arrested for suspected robbery, and one suspect for burglary and stealing of household items.

“Two suspects were apprehended for burglary and stealing of electronics. We have three suspects for conspiracy, burglary and stealing.

“For breaking and entering of houses, we have four suspects and five other suspects for stealing copper wire, motorcycles, sewing machines, and cables,” he said.

Mr Adeleye charged the public to be wary of visitors allowed into their privacy and said the command had deployed 1,200 Amotekun personnel across the 18 local government areas.

He said that in collaboration with other security agencies, the command had mapped out strategies to ensure that the influx of visitors did not increase the crime rate in Ondo State.

“What you will observe in a couple of days from now is the presence of Amotekun men at strategic locations and black spots everywhere within the 18 local governments.

“This will no doubt curtail the excesses of these criminals,” he said.

(NAN)