The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has announced an immediate restriction on the use of motorcycles, commonly called okada, between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. across the state as part of measures to tackle rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The directive came as the corps paraded 70 suspects arrested for various offences across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Addressing journalists at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from kidnapping to breach of public order, human trafficking and other related crimes.
Adeleye disclosed that 18 of the suspects are believed to be involved in kidnapping activities, while 39 others were arrested for breach of public order, with several cases already undergoing investigation and prosecution.
The Amotekun commander said the restriction on night-time motorcycle operations became necessary following security intelligence indicating that criminals often use motorcycles to carry out attacks and escape from security operatives.
He explained that the measure was aimed at curbing the activities of criminal elements who exploit the mobility and anonymity provided by motorcycles, particularly during late hours.
“As part of efforts to properly document and regulate motorcycle operators in the state, all riders have been given two weeks to register with the Amotekun Corps free of charge,” Adeleye said.
He also announced a ban on cart-pushing activities within major metropolitan areas of the state, noting that the decision was part of broader measures to regulate movements that could aid criminal activities.
Adeleye further revealed that security intelligence had uncovered suspicious activities around some roadside trading points within major towns across the state, adding that such locations are now under close surveillance by security operatives.
He noted that security agencies have also intensified operations within forest reserves across the state believed to harbour criminal elements responsible for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Amotekun commander commended the collaboration among security agencies including the police, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in tackling security challenges in the state.
He assured residents that the renewed measures would further strengthen the security architecture of Ondo State.
Adeleye also urged residents to support security agencies with credible information, warning that individuals who provide information to kidnappers or aid criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law.
