The Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, says it arrested 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Ondo.

Adetunji Adeleye, the Amotekun commander in Ondo, disclosed this on Sunday at the command’s headquarters in Akure.

Mr Adeleye, also the special adviser to the Ondo governor on security matters, sternly warned criminals hiding in forest reserves in the state “to pack and leave the state or face the wrath of the law.”

The Amotekun boss said, “We are determined to eradicate crime in all nooks and crannies in the state, so there is no hiding place for criminals. Of the 12 suspects being paraded today, seven of them were arrested in Owo. Out of the seven arrested, four of them were contracted with the job of kidnapping and armed robbery in Ondo State by the remaining three.

“We were able to apprehend them with their rifles and camouflage they used in deceiving unsuspecting commuters on the road, and they have made confessional statements. We also have a syndicate that specialises in the robbery of commercial motorcycles (Okada) in Akure and Akoko areas.”

He added, “Our efforts so far are to drive home our position of zero-tolerance to all forms of criminalities and crimes in Ondo state. We want to further assure the good people of the state that all security agencies are working in synergy to ensure that this yuletide period is crime-free.”

Mr Adeleye also disclosed that the corps had deployed 1,500 officers to the 18 Local government areas of Ondo to ensure security during the yuletide celebrations.

“By the grace of God, the yuletide festivities will be peaceful, and I want to assure the good people of Ondo state that all hands are on deck. All security agencies in the state are on alert to guarantee 24-hour patrol and safety of lives and property of residents and commuters in the state,” he said. 

(NAN)