The Ondo State Security Agency Network Codenamed Amotekun, on Monday, said that over 1,000 suspects had been arrested for various offences by the state security outfit in the last year.
The state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, said no fewer than 35 cases of kidnappings had been foiled while it waded into over 500 herders/farmers clashes in the state.
Adeleye said that two sets of illegal gold miners were arrested by his men while the command handled 55 court cases in the last 12 months, adding that it has impounded 26 vehicles and over 1,000 motorcycles
He said the Amotekun has addressed the wanton killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and other forms of criminalities in the state and the South-West region with a year of its establishment.
He said: “We want to ensure that all persons travelling along the highways, major roads, remote areas, hinterland, forests, inland, waterways, and sea are free to carry out their normal social and economic activities without fear or hindrance.
“Also to ensure that the corps assist the police and other security agencies to carry out lawful activities aimed at maintaining law and order in the state.”
Adeleye said one of the challenges facing the corps was the lack of legal backing to allow the agents to carry weapons commensurate with the firepower of criminals while he said the corps needed to secure a large expanse of land for training camp/barracks for the agency.
He also solicited government support in improving subvention to address officers’ welfare, training, maintenance of 24 hours surveillance and acquisition of hardware for officers.
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