By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, says it has arrested 301 suspects and secured 27 convictions within two months across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

Mr Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Amotekun Corps, made this known on Tuesday in Akure while parading 15 suspects arrested for various offences and launch of 2026 Ember Month patrol named Operation Laafia Dandan.

Adeleye said the parade was an opportunity to showcase the corps’ scorecard in the fight against criminal activities between August and October ending of 2026.

“Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State wanted to be physically present to launch Operation Laafia DanDan.

“The operation will focus on training and retraining of personnel including investigating officers, as well as preparation of criminal records, retraining of mechanics and drivers across the 18 local governments.

“The 15 arrested suspects comprise four for anti-grazing violation, two for breach of law and order, and nine for kidnap-related cases. We also rescued and prevented victims from paying ransom.

“I’m glad to let you know that we were able to apprehend the three major kidnappers that actually kidnapped the poultryman and killed the lady. They are with us today.

“The victim has identified them and the suspects has also confessed to the crime. This goes a long way in showing that Ondo State is not a place where criminalities could thrive,” he said.

The commander, therefore, said the convictions came with various jail terms or options of fine opt, while 102 cases were resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) between the time line.

Adeleye attributed the success to the support from Amotekun Ambassadors in the 18 local governments, plain clothes intelligence officers, local hunters, vigilantes, and other security agencies.

He also said the corps was winding down its old operation to commence full ember months patrol, involve intelligence-led surveillance across major roads, enhance patrol of Amotekun Rangers in forests, and monitoring of black spots.

“We will be deploying about 1,200 men in the 18 local governments with specific emphasis on our border patrols across the board,” the commander said.

Adeleye, however, reassured residents that the state remained safe, saying the corps would sustain 24-hour patrol across major roads, forest reserves, and the metropolis to guarantee safety of lives and properties in the state. (NAN)