•Agency deploys 600 operatives, launches 24-hour patrol, border surveillance
By Tola Gbadamosi
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has dismissed reports of bandit activities in Akure, assuring residents and commuters of heightened security across the state during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Commander of Amotekun in the state, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the corps has intensified its operations with round-the-clock patrols in all 18 local government areas to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
According to Adeleye, Amotekun currently runs 24-hour patrols statewide, complemented by special “ember months” security operations designed to curb crime during the festive period.
He disclosed that the agency recently launched Operation “Le Won Jade”, a special offensive targeted at flushing out criminals and bandits from forest reserves across the state.
He added that enhanced Amotekun Rangers have been fully deployed within forest areas to deny criminals safe havens, ensuring that residents and commuters can travel safely at all hours.
To further strengthen security during the Christmas holidays, Adeleye said an additional 600 operatives have been deployed on motorised patrols across the 18 local government areas, alongside regular security exercises.
Border patrols have also been reinforced, particularly in areas where Amotekun has limited presence.
“At critical border points such as Akunu in Akoko North, which shares boundaries with Kogi State, we have mounted strict surveillance and checkpoints. Similar measures are in place along forest boundaries with Edo State and on the Ifon/Benin Road,” he said.
He noted that Ondo State also conducts joint border patrols with neighbouring states, including Ogun, Ekiti and Osun, describing the collaboration as effective and intelligence driven.
“These operations have yielded tremendous results. In the last three weeks alone, several criminal suspects have been apprehended, and many are currently cooling off in correctional centres,” Adeleye revealed.
Reacting to viral social media videos alleging the presence of bandits in Akure, the Amotekun commander dismissed the claims as false and misleading.
“Most of these reports circulating on social media are not current, and many did not even happen in Nigeria. As far as Akure is concerned, there are no bandits in the city. I can say that categorically,” he stated.
Adeleye reassured residents that Amotekun, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains fully deployed to ensure a peaceful and secure festive season across Ondo State.