The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, yesterday, said that no fewer than 30 kidnap attempts were foiled in different parts of the state during the just-concluded Yuletide in 2022.

The Corps also said that its operatives arrested 150 suspects involved in various crimes within the festive period, with six trailers apprehended.

The Corps’ Commander in the state, Akogun Adeleye, who disclosed this in Akure, said that among those arrested were 16 suspected kidnappers who were nabbed while planning to abduct some residents.

Adeleye, who is also the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, added that the suspected criminals were arrested with six vehicles by the Corps’ border patrol team during operation “Gba’le Gba’ko” within the axis of the Osun/Ondo border axis.

He said: “Throughout this period, we only recorded two kidnap incidents and 30 attempts. We also recovered locally-made guns, which they use to carry out their operations.

“Apart from these, we arrested taxi drivers that deceive commuters so as to dispossess them of their wares and funds in the state. We appreciate God for the successes recorded during the just-concluded Yuletide season.

“Thank God that we didn’t record any violent crime throughout this period. We owe this to the protection of God and the support Governor Akeredolu.

“Our appreciation also goes to the good people of Ondo State for giving timely information over the period of time. During the border patrol exercise, we intercepted six trailers that were hijacked and we were able to bring them to Akure and deliver the goods to the rightful owners.

“The drivers and the suspected armed robbers are still going through the normal criminal investigation procedure, as some of them are already at the correctional centre.”

The Amotekun Commander, therefore, gave the assurance that the Corps would continue to provide adequate security for the socio-economic growth of Ondo State.