In response to rising criminal activities, the Ondo State Government has established a joint security task force to combat insecurity and safeguard residents.
The newly formed task force comprises operatives from the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, and Amotekun Corps.
Speaking in Akure while parading suspected kidnappers, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the initiative was essential to restoring peace and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
“In recent times, we have seen an upsurge in criminal activities. Officers and men of the Ondo State Security Network, in collaboration with other security agencies, mobilized additional support from neighboring local governments to flush out criminals from the state,” Adeleye stated.
“Within the last week, we have arrested 32 suspected kidnappers, who are currently undergoing interrogation.”
He assured residents that the security task force had successfully restored normalcy to previously troubled areas, particularly in Akure North, where several farmers and travelers had been attacked in recent weeks.
“We have intensified patrols in notorious areas, including Ago Dada, Ago Iyinbo, and Ago Ademekun, ensuring that residents can return safely to their farming and daily activities.”
As part of broader security efforts, Adeleye disclosed that the leadership of Miyetti Allah had been invited for discussions on addressing criminal activities.
“They have pledged their support in identifying and exposing bad elements within their ranks, ensuring that both forests and urban areas remain safe.”
To strengthen security measures, he announced stricter border controls and new regulations regarding the transportation of people into the state.
“Security operatives have noticed that many of these trucks arrive with hundreds of undocumented individuals, some of whom pose security risks. Henceforth, overloaded trucks will be turned back at the state’s borders,” he warned.
Adeleye confirmed that joint security patrols had led to the arrest of 32 suspected kidnappers and 26 other criminals from different parts of the state, including Akure North, Akure South, Ose, and Akoko local government areas.
“These suspects were flushed out from forest reserves and other criminal hideouts,” he added.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence.
“With the new security framework in place, we assure the good people of Ondo State that the government is committed to making the state safe for all.”
