The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, has declared that the South-West region is fully prepared for the implementation of state policing, describing it as the most effective solution to the nation’s persistent security challenges.
Adeleye made the assertion on Tuesday while parading 46 suspects arrested for various criminal offences across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.
The suspects include 13 alleged kidnappers, two persons arrested under the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law, and 31 others linked to armed robbery, burglary, cultism, illegal possession of firearms, stealing and breach of peace.
Speaking on the ongoing national debate on state policing, Adeleye said the experience of the Amotekun Corps in combating crime has demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based security structures.
“On the issue of state policing, in the last couple of years, the position of the Council of Amotekun Commanders of the South-West has always been that state policing remains the only viable solution to the present insecurity in the country,” he said.
According to him, local security personnel are better positioned to identify criminals operating within their communities and respond swiftly to threats.
“Because it’s easier, much easier, especially adopting the Amotekun initiative, to identify criminals. That is why you find out that this year alone, we have arrested and prosecuted well over 500 suspected criminals, and in so many of those cases, we’ve been vindicated. Some of them are serving their various jail terms,” he added.
Adeleye maintained that the proposed state police structure would strengthen security nationwide through decentralisation.
“So I think it is a giant stride in the right direction, adopting state policing as a way of decentralising the security architecture of the country. As far as our readiness is concerned, as far as the South-West is concerned, we are ready,” he stated.
The Amotekun commander explained that the corps had sustained intensive security operations across the state through its Border Control Patrol, Amotekun Rangers, Operations Department, Commander Squads and other operational units.
“The implication is that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State,” he said.
Giving details of the arrests, Adeleye disclosed that among those paraded were suspected kidnappers arrested in Owo GRA, Iluabo and the Murele axis, including alleged informants accused of supplying food and logistics to criminal gangs.
He also revealed that two members of a burglary syndicate were arrested within 24 hours after breaking into the residence of a prominent individual and carting away valuables, some of which were recovered by operatives of the Corps.
Adeleye said all the suspects would be charged to court, noting that several other cases involving suspects previously arrested by Amotekun are already being prosecuted in courts across Akure, Owo and Okitipupa.