The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested over 120 suspects in its ‘Operation Clean-Up’.

It said the exercise was launched in response to robberies in Akure and other parts of the state.

Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who spoke with reporters, said the suspects have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

He said crimes have reduced by 80 per cent since the launch of ‘Operation Clean-Up’.

Adeleye said: “Since we started ‘Operation Clean-Up’ about a month ago, we have arrested about 120 criminals and sanity is returning to the state.

“Some of the criminals have been sent to the police, some to the NSCDC and others to the Department of State Services for more investigation and prosecution.

“Initially, we started general security operatives with other security agencies until after the #EndSARS protests when there was an upsurge in crimes 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 government to ban the use of motorcycles at night and the government acceded to our request.

“In the ‘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 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 bust, where we got our coordinators from the DSS. They give us this vital information, we put it on the table, analyse and we implement. So far, it’s been successful.”

He said 560 farmers had reported cases against herdsmen and modalities were put in place for the farmers and herdsmen to agree on some terms.

“We make sure the herdsmen write an undertaking that they will not go back to the farms again. If we find weapons on them, it’s a separate case, which shall be handed over to the Civil Defence or the Police,” he said.