Ondo Launches Operation Daada to Combat Kidnapping and Criminal Activities
AKURE — The Ondo State Government has launched a new security initiative, Operation Daada, aimed at tackling the rising cases of kidnapping and criminal activities across the state. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu announced the initiative on March 24, 2025, during a press briefing in Akure, the state capital. This move comes as part of the government’s broader strategy to restore peace and protect residents from escalating insecurity.
The Purpose of Operation Daada
Operation Daada, which translates to “Operation Rescue” in Yoruba, is a collaborative effort involving the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps), local vigilantes, and conventional security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army. The initiative is designed to address:
- Kidnapping Hotspots: Targeting areas with high incidences of abductions, particularly along major highways such as Akure-Owo and Akure-Idanre roads.
- Herders-Farmers Conflicts: Mitigating tensions between herders and farmers that often escalate into violence.
- Armed Robbery and Banditry: Combating criminal gangs operating in rural and urban areas of the state.
Governor Akeredolu emphasized that the operation would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to crime while ensuring that human rights are respected.
Security Challenges in Ondo State
Ondo State has faced a series of security challenges in recent years, including:
- Kidnappings: Several high-profile abductions have been reported along major roads, causing fear among residents and travelers.
- Communal Clashes: Disputes over land use between farmers and herders have led to violent confrontations.
- Militancy in Coastal Areas: Ilaje and Ese-Odo LGAs have seen sporadic incidents of piracy and illegal oil bunkering.
In 2024 alone, over 50 cases of kidnapping were recorded in Ondo State, with victims often held for ransom. The government hopes that Operation Daada will significantly reduce these incidents.
Amotekun Corps Takes Center Stage
The Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established by South-West states, will play a pivotal role in Operation Daada. Speaking at the launch, Adetunji Adeleye, Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, stated:
“We are fully prepared to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in Ondo State. Our operatives will work closely with other agencies to secure our communities.”
The corps has already deployed drones and surveillance equipment to monitor remote areas where kidnappers are believed to operate.
Community Involvement
The government has called on local communities to support Operation Daada by providing intelligence on suspicious activities. Traditional rulers and community leaders have been tasked with sensitizing their people about the importance of cooperation with security agencies.
Governor Akeredolu also warned against harboring criminals, stating:
“Anyone found aiding or abetting criminal activities will face the full wrath of the law.”
Economic Implications
The rise in insecurity has negatively impacted Ondo’s economy, particularly its agricultural sector and tourism potential. Farmers have abandoned farmlands due to fear of attacks, while travelers avoid certain routes known for kidnappings. By addressing these issues, Operation Daada aims to restore investor confidence and revitalize economic activities in the state.
Conclusion
Operation Daada represents a bold step by the Ondo State Government to address insecurity comprehensively. While challenges remain, the initiative has been widely welcomed by residents who hope it will bring lasting peace to their communities.
