The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the Christmas Day airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.
While parading 100 suspected criminals arrested across different parts of the state, the Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from Sokoto State and relocated to forest areas within Ondo.
According to Adeleye, the suspects said the intensified security pressure in the northern region forced them to move southward into the forests of Ondo State.
“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all together, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they are relocating into the forest,” Adeleye said.
He explained that the suspects are still undergoing profiling, adding that while some may be sent back after investigations, those found with incriminating materials would face prosecution.
“We are still profiling them, and after the profiling, we may have to send them back, but those found with incriminating equipment and materials will surely be prosecuted,” he stated.
Adeleye emphasised that the state government has clear rules regarding occupation of forest areas.
“The government has made its position known. For you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits,” he said, noting that the sudden influx of such individuals raised serious security concerns that authorities are actively addressing.
He further revealed that strong collaboration among border patrol teams across Ekiti–Ondo, Osun–Ondo, and Ogun–Ondo corridors had significantly boosted security operations, leading to additional arrests beyond those paraded.
According to him, some suspects were not presented during the parade because investigations were ongoing, including cases that required operatives to travel to Ogun State to apprehend and return suspects.
Speaking on other arrests, Adeleye said about 100 suspects were apprehended in total, with 61 paraded publicly. He explained that many were arrested for various offences, including breaches of law and order, anti-open grazing violations, kidnapping-related cases, and gender-based abuse.
He added that the suspects’ ages ranged between 18 and 45 years.
On alleged rape cases, Adeleye disclosed that three suspects, including a 19-year-old identified as Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and a 41-year-old Bejide, were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
The Amotekun commander expressed appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing a supportive environment for the outfit’s operations. He also commended other security agencies, including the police, civil defence, the army, the Department of State Services, vigilantes, and residents of the state for their cooperation and support.
What you should know
Amotekun is the South-West regional security outfit established by the governors of the region to complement federal security agencies in tackling crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery.
In recent months, security forces have intensified operations across Nigeria’s North-West following increased military actions against terrorist groups, leading to displacement and movement of suspected criminals into other regions.
Ondo State, like other South-West states, has tightened forest surveillance and border patrols to prevent criminal infiltration and protect local communities from emerging security threats.
