The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 53 suspects, including 21 undocumented foreign nationals, for alleged involvement in various criminal activities across the state.
The State Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.
He said the arrests were made during recent operations targeting kidnapping, murder, cultism, burglary, stealing, self-kidnapping and other crimes.
Adeleye explained that the 21 foreign nationals were apprehended in Owo after intelligence reports indicated that they were residing in two rented apartments without valid documents authorising their stay in Nigeria.
According to him, the suspects claimed they entered the country from neighbouring West African nations to engage in menial jobs and phone repair services.
The commander expressed concern over what he described as the increasing movement of undocumented foreigners through communities and forest areas in the state.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects lacked ECOWAS travel documents required to legitimise their stay.
He added that the foreign nationals had been handed over to the appropriate government agencies for further investigation and necessary action.
Adeleye also warned landlords against renting apartments to persons whose identities and immigration status have not been properly verified, noting that property owners could face scrutiny if found to be aiding unlawful activities.
The Amotekun boss further disclosed that operatives uncovered a self-kidnapping syndicate involving four suspects who allegedly used social media to spread false kidnapping claims and solicit money.
He said investigations revealed that one of the complainants who reported the alleged abduction of his siblings was an accomplice and later led operatives to the supposed victim.
In a separate operation, the corps arrested seven suspected kidnappers and rescued two abducted boys in the Akoko area of the state.
Adeleye said a military uniform was recovered from one of the suspects, while one of the victims sustained machete injuries before being rescued and taken for treatment.
He commended members of the Fulani community for providing intelligence that aided the operations and pledged that the corps would continue working with residents and other security agencies to tackle crime in the state.
