Operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF), including Amotekun, the police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), have intercepted 144 northerners hidden in a truck conveying books to the Southern parts of the country.
The Commander of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who disclosed this on Friday, said many of the northerners claimed to be new arrivals from the northern part of the country without any clear means of livelihood.
He, however, said those intercepted have been profiled and escorted back to their states of origin to forestall potential security threats.
Parading 164 suspects arrested during a week-long clearance operation across the state noted that the suspects were apprehended for various offences, including three cases of suspected kidnapping, one rape case, 15 cases of human trafficking, and one violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
Adeleye identified some of the suspects as Henry (30) and Tunde, arrested in Obasooto, Eyin Ogbese in Owo, as well as Alagbaka and Oloko areas of Akure, for alleged involvement in armed robbery and kidnapping. He said Husseini (35) was linked to armed robbery, while one Godwin was arrested over alleged murder and rape.
Other suspects included Azeez (30), accused of arson and escape from lawful custody, alongside Ademola, Imole, and Japhet, aged between 26 and 32, who were arrested for offences ranging from conspiracy and abduction to assault on security personnel.
Adeleye listed Emmanuel (38) and Ibrahim (20), apprehended for conspiracy, breach of peace, and possession of stolen motorcycles. Emeri and Moses were also arrested for allegedly aiding human trafficking and defrauding unsuspecting victims in Akure.
Similarly, Hassan (24) was arrested for violating the anti-open grazing law and destroying farm produce, while Samson was nabbed for motorcycle theft. A 31-year-old suspect identified as Oke was arrested for burglary and theft of phones and accessories.
Adeleye also revealed the arrest of another suspect, Emmanuel, who allegedly specialises in burgling homes during religious services. In separate operations, Alabi Ahmed and Victor were apprehended in Itaogbolu, Akure North, for conspiracy and theft.
He said several stolen items, including motorcycles, generators, steel, and iron materials, were recovered from the suspects.
The commander commended the state government for providing an enabling environment for security agencies. He noted that joint operations involving Amotekun, the police, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services (DSS) have significantly reduced incidents of kidnapping, robbery, and other crimes in the state.
He reassured residents of the agency’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence.
On the ongoing registration of commercial motorcyclists, Adeleye revealed that over 15,000 riders across the 18 local government areas have been registered. He added that only certified and accredited riders would be allowed to operate, as part of efforts to distinguish legitimate operators from criminal elements.
