Amotekun Corps, the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) has given the reasons why the outfit would be embarking on a joint border patrol to also check some of the crime activities on highways ahead of the festive periods as well.
Leading the border patrol team, the Corps Commander of Ondo State, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, who is also the chairman of all the corps commanders in the region had made this revealation on Saturday in Owena, border town of Osun and Ondo State.
Adeleye had also revealed that the corps would not leave anything for chance, particularly, when it had become the tradition of highway robbers to fully embark on some massive and aggressive operations during Yuletide.
According to him, this is the second edition of the strategy adopted by the corps in all the South-West states of the federation to tackle criminals who usually robbed travellers during the festive season.
He said the operation was tagged,”Operation ‘Gba’le Gba’ko’.”
“Operation Gba’le Gba’ko,” in collaboration with his Osun State counterpart, retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewimbi,
He disclosed that 340 victims of robbery and kidnap operations were rescued and 80 snatched vehicles were rescued last year.
“Last year when the Ondo State and the Osun State inter border patrol commenced, we recorded very huge successes.
“We were able to dismantle a number of kidnappers’ cells; we were able to arrest kidnappers; we were able to recover illegal arms and weapons; we were able to release kidnap victims; we were able to arrest kidnap suspects; we were able to arrest armed robbers.
“In short, we were able to reduce to the barest minimum, criminal activities during last year’s Yuletide.
“In preparation for this year’s holiday, we have redoubled our efforts at ensuring that commuters, residents and visitors throughout this period can enjoy their holidays and they can sleep with their eyes closed.
“That is why we are commencing both the “Ember patrol and the inter border patrol” activities of the Western Nigerian Security Network Agency,” he said.
Adeleye had also noted that the corps would at a later date, start the collaborating process with other states in the South-West to ensure all roads and villages were safe and lives and property protected. He had also noted that the operation was at the instance of Chairman of South-West Governor’s Forum, Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, with the operations to be carried out with other sister security agencies.
