As the Yuletide season approaches, Ondo State’s security agency has moved from routine patrols to a wider operation designed to keep criminals away from highways, forests and border communities.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has launched Operation Laafia DanDan, deploying about 1,200 operatives across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The initiative is part of the corps’ ember-month security plan ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Amotekun commander, Adetunji Adeleye announced the operation at the corps’ headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, where 15 suspects were paraded. He said the operation will combine intelligence-led surveillance on major roads, electronic monitoring of identified black spots and stronger patrols by Amotekun Rangers in forest reserves.

The deployment will place special attention on border communities, major highways and entry and exit routes—areas often exploited by criminal groups.

The corps says personnel will also undergo retraining, particularly investigators, drivers and mechanics.

The launch came alongside the parade of suspects arrested for alleged kidnapping, anti-grazing violations, burglary, stealing and breaches of public order.

Among them were three suspects allegedly linked to the abduction of a poultry farmer and the killing of a woman.

Adeleye said the victim identified the suspects, who reportedly confessed to the crime. He described the arrests as evidence that Ondo State offers no safe haven for criminals.

The corps says it arrested 301 suspects between August and October and secured 27 convictions within the same period. Of the 15 suspects paraded, nine were linked to alleged kidnapping-related offences, four to anti-grazing violations and two to alleged breaches of law and order.