The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the United States airstrikes carried out on Christmas Day in Nigeria’s North-West.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading suspects arrested across different parts of Ondo State. In total, about 100 suspected criminals were arrested, with 61 paraded during the exercise.
According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from the northern region due to increased military pressure and relocated to forest areas within Ondo State.
“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested together. They claimed that due to the heat on them in the northern part of the country, they decided to move into our forests,” he said.
He explained that the suspects were still undergoing profiling and investigations. While some may be sent back after verification, those found in possession of incriminating materials would be prosecuted.
“The government’s position is clear: anyone who wants to stay in our forest areas must obtain proper permits. The sudden influx of these elements raises serious security concerns, and we are working on them,” Adeleye added.
The commander noted that strong collaboration between border patrol teams in Ondo and neighbouring states — including Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun — had produced significant results. He revealed that some suspects were not paraded because investigations were ongoing, including cases that required operatives to track suspects into Ogun State and bring them back.
Read Also;
Ekiti Amotekun Arrests 20-Year-Old Man for Alleged Rape of Deaf Teenager
Breaking down the arrests, Adeleye said 50 suspects were involved in breaches of law and order, two were arrested for anti-open grazing offences, six for kidnapping-related crimes, and three for gender abuse and rape.
He disclosed that the suspects’ ages ranged between 18 and 45 years.
On the rape cases, Adeleye said three suspects — a 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and a 41-year-old man identified as Bejide — were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
Adeleye commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for security operations and also appreciated the support of other security agencies, including the police, civil defence, army, DSS, vigilantes, and members of the public.
