Western security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, in Ondo State, yesterday, disclosed that it has arrested 120 suspected criminals in the state.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the commander of the outfit, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the criminals were arrested during 15 robbery incidences.
Adeleye said: “Since we started Operation Clean-Up about a month ago, we’ve arrested about 120 criminals, and sanity is returning to the state.
“Some of the criminals have been sent to the police, some NSCDC, and others to the Department of State Services for more diligent investigation and prosecution.
“Initially, we started general security operatives with other security agencies until after the EndSARS protests when there was an upsurge in criminal activities in the state and Amotekun launched Operation Clean-Up.
“We recorded over 15 robbery cases in Akure within one month, which had not happened before.
“We appealed to the state government to impose a ban on the use of motorcycles at night and the government acceded to it.
“Since the Operation Clean Up started, criminal activities have reduced by 80 percent, out of the 15 robbery cases, 13 were carried out with the use of motorcycles.
“The robbers escaped on motorcycles. But now, at night, sanity is coming back and the situation is better.
“In Operation Clean-Up, we have a full detachment of policemen going out with us on patrols because we know the interior, they only follow.
“When we get to where we need superior weapons to be used, they assist us.
“In Ondo State, we don’t have a problem of rivalry or working at cross purposes.
“There are no clashes of interests because most of our operations are in concert with them and other security operatives.
“There were instances, like in some kidnap cases that we burst, where we got our coordinates from the DSS.
“They give us this vital information, we put it on the table, analyze and we implement. So far, it’s been successful.”