The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, has impounded 120 motorcyclists popularly known as Okada for violating the 7 pm to 6 am curfew imposed by the state government.

The state government, through Amotekun, has announced a 7 pm to 6 am curfew, banned street trading, and activities of scavengers to check insecurity ravaging the state.

Also, the security outfit has registered 14,000 okada riders in the 18 local government areas of the state in compliance with the directive of the state government.

Speaking during the parade of 35 suspected criminals arrested in the last week, the Commander of the security outfit, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, announced the recovery of a vehicle stolen at gunpoint in Owo and the rescue of victims of kidnappers.

Out of the 35 suspected criminals, Adeleye said six people were nabbed for stealing motorcycles, two for alleged rape, 19 for breaking law and order, while others were arrested for alleged human trafficking and kidnapping.

Giving details of the arrests, Adeleye said: ” Three of the suspects defrauded a victim of about ₦1.4 million under the pretext of bringing someone from Togo to Nigeria to help him secure a Canadian visa.

“The victim was held hostage for about two weeks before he managed to escape and report the matter at the Amotekun office. When operatives followed up, they were able to recover the money and the passports, which were returned to the victim, who has also been reunited with her family.

“A total of 11 suspects are linked to kidnapping-related cases across Akure and other local government areas within the state. ‎Within the period under review, criminal activities have reduced significantly, especially with the enforcement of the ban on night-time use of commercial motorcycles.

“Six suspects were involved in the theft of motorcycles. Some of them used weapons such as a cudgel to attack unsuspecting riders before dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“Others dismantled stolen motorcycles and sold them as spare parts. They have been arrested and will be made to reassemble the motorcycles.

”Operatives also responded swiftly to a distress call in Owo, where a Lexus Jeep was stolen. Roads leading in and out of the town were cordoned off, and the vehicle was successfully recovered within hours.

“‎On kidnapping-related cases, suspects include Musa Momodu Abdullahi, David Shamisu Ismail, Benard Isiaka Abdullahi, and Shehu Suleiman Abdullahi. ‎On conspiracy and attempted rape, suspects include Eyinloju Taiwo and Eyinloju Kejinde from Akunnu Akoko

“‎On conspiracy and human trafficking, operatives recovered funds collected from an unsuspecting woman who was promised assistance to travel to Canada. Suspects include Modest (25), Mika (25), and Emmanuel (27).

“‎One Ayodeji was found to specialise in breaking into homes during church services on Sundays. Surveillance was intensified during both Friday Jumat services and Sunday church services, leading to the arrest of several suspects involved in housebreaking.

“‎A 28-year-old Ayodeji was arrested, while Dr Dada was also arrested for motorcycle theft. One Saliu Musa was arrested for looting the entire house in Okititupa, knowing fully well that the owner of the house is out of town.”

Adeleye said there has been a noticeable reduction in house break-ins and other related crimes and that the state is relatively peaceful because of the imposed curfew.