The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has commenced heightened patrols of boarding schools across the state to curb security breaches and potential kidnappings.

The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, announced this on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital, while parading 16 suspects arrested for various offenses. He revealed that full surveillance had been mounted on schools with boarding facilities, particularly those located in border towns and the outskirts of urban areas.

“In the past week, we have visited numerous schools and established continuous monitoring of all boarding facilities,” Adeleye said. “We have also stepped up our 24-hour Ember Month patrol, which has been reinforced at state borders to ensure safety.”

The border patrol, known as Operation Le Won Jade, began on November 6 with the aim of strengthening security in border communities. According to Adeleye, the operation has successfully driven away bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals from forested areas.

He added that regular 24-hour metropolitan patrols remain active, yielding significant results. “In the last week, 34 individuals have been arrested, 16 of whom we are parading today. Residents can be assured that security agencies are fully committed to protecting lives and property across Ondo State,” Adeleye said.

The intensified school patrols follow a surge of violent attacks and abductions in Nigerian schools. On November 17, gunmen attacked 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, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers in one of the largest incidents in recent years. Around 50 pupils later escaped and were reunited with their families.