The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed “Amotekun” says it has arrested no fewer than 243 suspects over various offences in its two years of operations in Ekiti.
The Commandant of the WNSC in Ekiti, retired Brig.-Gen. Joe Komolafe, revealed this on Friday in Ado-Ekiti while updating reporters on the operations of the security network since it was established in the state.
According to Komolafe, the crimes for which the suspects were detained included, among others, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, rape, people trafficking, cultism, and disputes between farmers and herders.
He claimed that the state's crime rate had decreased as a result of the coordinated efforts of his personnel and government assistance.
The crime rate has decreased to the barest minimum, according to Komolafe, who credited the accomplishment to the initiatives taken by Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi and other sister security networks in the state.
The commandant encouraged Ekiti people not to protect criminal elements in their community despite his admission that no civilization on earth was fully free of crimes and criminals.
Among the difficulties the security network faces, Komolafe noted the lack of modern weapons to combat criminals, the lack of appropriate, accurate, and timely information, and the failure of citizens to volunteer as witnesses in suspects' trials.
Security is everyone's business, he said, urging well-intentioned Ekiti sons and daughters to contribute more to the state's security network at home and abroad.
He thanked some of the people and groups who have gotten in touch with the organisation and made a call for greater funding to lessen the financial burden of security on the government.
Western Nigeria Security Network, Ekiti Command, a domestic agency to combat insecurity, was reportedly established on October 19, 2020, according to news sources.