The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, yesterday, said no fewer than 30 kidnapping attempts were foiled in various parts of the state during the recently concluded Yuletide in 2022.
The corps also said its operatives arrested 150 suspects involved in various crimes during the festivities, with six trailers seized.
The Corps Commander in the state, Akogun Adeleye, who disclosed this in Akure, said that among those arrested were 16 suspected kidnappers who were arrested while attempting to abduct some residents.
Adeleye, who is also the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, added that the suspected criminals were arrested in six vehicles by the border patrol team of the Corps during the “Gba’le Gba’ko” operation in the Osun/Ondo border axis.
He said: “During this period, we recorded only two incidents of kidnapping and 30 attempts. We also recovered a locally made gun, which was used to carry out the operation.
“Apart from this, we arrested a taxi driver who cheated passengers to waste their goods and funds in the country. We thank God for the success recorded during the recently concluded Yuletide season.
“Thank God we did not record violent crimes during this period. We owe this to the protection of God and the support of Governor Akeredolu.
“Our appreciation also goes to the good people of Ondo State for giving us timely information on time. During our border patrol exercise, we intercepted six hijacked trailers and we were able to bring them to Akure and deliver them to their rightful owners.
“The drivers and the suspected armed robbers are still undergoing normal criminal investigation procedures, as some are already in detention centers.”
Commander Amotekun, therefore, assured that the Corps would continue to provide adequate security for the socio-economic growth of Ondo State.