The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has suspended three of its operatives for allegedly breaching their oath of allegiance and secrecy.
The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, announced the suspension on Monday during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, where four suspected criminals were also paraded.
The affected officers Abu Taiwo, Akinsipe Victor, and Ekujumi Julius have been declared wanted by the Corps for further investigation.
Adeleye explained that the officers’ actions were aimed at undermining and distracting the agency from its core mandate of protecting lives and property.
“As we stand today, the three of them have been reprimanded and declared wanted. Due diligence is being followed because in a security environment, the oaths of allegiance and secrecy to the state cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
He noted that Amotekun, like any other organization, operates under strict internal rules and the enabling law that established it clearly stipulates the issuance of official identity and warrant cards to duly recognized operatives.
“The fact remains that they acted in isolation. The Corps remains solid and focused on its duties, and we refuse to be distracted by controversies, especially those being fueled by external sponsors,” Adeleye added.
On the criminal suspects paraded, Adeleye said the Corps arrested Ogungbemi Adebayo, who confessed to being an informant for kidnappers operating in the Ademekun power line area of Ago-Dada Camp.
According to him, Adebayo, aged 29, admitted to receiving training from armed Fulani men on the use of AK-47 rifles before his arrest by a joint patrol team of Amotekun, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilantes.
Other suspects included Nasiru Suleiman, who allegedly dismantled government-owned caterpillar equipment along Akure–Ondo Road; Saliu Nureni, 57, accused of robbery and arson near NEPA Market in Akure; and Ahmed Oladimeji, arrested for stealing a generator and alternator in Igoba, Akure.
Adeleye noted that recent operations have led to a sharp decline in criminal activities across Ondo State, assuring residents that the state remains safe for business and social activities.
“With these arrests and ongoing patrols, we want to reassure the good people of Ondo State that our communities are secure and conducive for economic growth,” he said.
