The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 55 suspects allegedly involved in a range of criminal activities across the state, News About Nigeria gathered.
The suspects were paraded at the corps headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday.
Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that the arrests were made at different locations within the state and that the suspects were accused of offences such as arson, theft, kidnapping, and robbery, among others.
The operation comes as part of the corps’ efforts to ensure a crime-free yuletide season, with a 24-hour patrol initiated across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
Adeleye emphasised the commitment to enhancing security during the festive season, mentioning that the patrol extended to streets, financial institutions, and areas prone to potential criminal activities.
The corps also addressed herders/farmers clashes, noting a significant reduction in incidents.
“We are parading about 55 suspects, the majority of these suspects have confessed to the crimes,” Adeleye stated.
Out of approximately 250 arrests, 55 were selected for further legal proceedings to determine their suitability to return to society or face correctional services.
Adeleye urged the government to focus on creating opportunities for the nation’s youths, citing unemployment as a significant factor contributing to the rising crime rate.
He suggested the provision of extensive job opportunities and increased palliatives for those facing economic challenges, emphasising the need for social insurance for the unemployed to mitigate involvement in criminal activities.
“I think the government should provide elaborate job opportunities, we all know the economic situation of the country is harsh and tough. Because of this, the government should increase the palliatives to even those that they cannot feed.
“The palliatives should be for those that find it difficult to feed themselves. There should be a way, social insurance for the jobless people for them to feed. Once they can feed, we can now checkmate them why they go into criminality,” he said.
