15,000 commercial motorcyclists registered in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, on Friday, said that over 15,000 commercial motorcyclists have been registered across the 18 local government areas of the state as part of efforts to tackle crime.

The Corps Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while addressing journalists during the parade of suspects arrested in recent operations across the state.

Adeleye explained that the registration exercise is aimed at sanitising the commercial motorcycle sector and distinguishing legitimate operators from criminal elements who often exploit the system.

He stated that only certified and accredited riders would henceforth be allowed to operate in the state, warning that unregistered operators risk arrest and prosecution.

According to him, the initiative is part of broader security measures being implemented by the agency in collaboration with other security outfits to reduce incidents of robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes.

Speaking on the arrests, Adeleye said the 164 suspects were apprehended across various local government areas for offences including three cases of suspected kidnapping, 144 breaches of law and order, one rape case, 15 cases of human trafficking, and one violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

He said some of the suspects were arrested in Obasooto and Eyin Ogbese in Owo, as well as in Alagbaka and Oloko areas of Akure, for alleged involvement in armed robbery and kidnapping. He added that a 35-year-old suspect was linked to armed robbery, while another was arrested over alleged murder and rape.

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The commander further disclosed that other suspects were arrested for offences ranging from arson and escape from lawful custody to conspiracy, abduction, and assault on security personnel.

He said, some additional arrests were made for possession of stolen motorcycles, breach of peace, and fraud-related offences.

According to him, some of the suspects were also implicated in human trafficking activities, while others were arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law, motorcycle theft, burglary, and theft of phones and accessories.

Adeleye revealed that several stolen items, including motorcycles, generators, steel, and iron materials, were recovered during the operation.

He commended the Ondo State Government for providing an enabling environment for security agencies, noting that joint operations involving Amotekun and other security agencies have significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, robbery, and related crimes in the state.

The Commander also disclosed that 144 individuals were intercepted while being transported in a trailer concealed under books.

He said many of them claimed to be new arrivals from the northern part of the country without any clear means of livelihood, adding that such individuals are profiled and escorted back to their states of origin.

Adeleye reassured residents of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence.