The Ondo State Government has stepped up its security measures by reinforcing the restriction on the use of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, during night hours across the state.
The Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly called the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while presenting 70 suspects arrested in recent security operations carried out across the state.
According to him, the renewed enforcement of the restriction between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. is aimed at reducing criminal activities such as kidnapping and armed robbery, noting that motorcycles are often used by criminals to carry out attacks and flee from crime scenes.
Adeleye explained that the restriction applies to all motorcycle riders within the state, except those engaged in essential duties and security services who must possess proper identification and certification.
He also announced that all motorcycle operators are required to register with the Amotekun Corps in order to continue operating in the state.
The commander said riders have been given two weeks to complete the registration at no cost, warning that anyone who fails to comply within the period will have to pay ₦20,000 to the state’s internal revenue authorities to regularise their operations.
In a related development, the state government has banned cart-pushing activities in major cities, describing the move as part of broader efforts to strengthen security and regulate activities within urban centres.
Authorities have also directed scrap metal and condemned iron dealers operating in the state to register with the government within two weeks or risk facing legal action.
The government further warned traders against displaying or selling farm produce at unauthorised locations, particularly around road junctions and temporary roadside stalls.
Adeleye explained that intelligence gathered by security agencies indicated that some roadside trading points were being used by criminal elements as surveillance points within the cities.
Meanwhile, the Amotekun Corps paraded 70 suspects arrested across the state’s 18 local government areas for various offences.
Among those arrested were 18 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping, while others were linked to offences including violations of the anti-grazing law, human trafficking, public disorder and other criminal cases.
He said the arrests were made during coordinated security operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services.
Adeleye assured residents that joint patrols, forest surveillance and other security operations would continue as part of efforts to maintain law and order across the state.
