The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, says it has commenced enhanced patrol of boarding schools across the state.
The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, while parading 16 suspects arrested for various offences.
Adeleye said full surveillance had been mounted on schools with boarding facilities following recent reports of security breaches and kidnappings.
“In the last one week, we’ve visited so many of the schools and mounted surveillance on all those with boarding facilities. Especially the schools in the border towns of the state and the outskirts of the towns.
“We have equally stepped up the activities of our 24-hour Ember Month patrol, which has also been enhanced at our borders to ensure protection,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the border patrol, known as Operation Le Won Jade, began on November 6 and focuses on strengthening security in border communities.
Adeleye said the ongoing border patrol had helped drive away miscreants, bandits, and kidnappers from the forests.
“In addition, our regular 24-hour patrol within the metropolis is still ongoing, and this has also yielded tremendous results.
“The total number of arrests in the last week is 34. Out of the 34, we are parading 16.
“I want to reassure residents of the state that the security agencies are ensuring that safety of lives and property in Ondo State is guaranteed,” he added.
The patrol follows recent attacks and abductions in schools in Nigeria
On November 17, gunmen stormed a secondary school in Kebbi State, abducting 25 girls and killing the vice-principal.
Just days later, on November 21, armed bandits raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, seizing 303 students and 12 teachers in one of the largest such incidents in years.
Around 50 pupils were later confirmed to have escaped and reunited with families.
