The Ondo State Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 39 suspects who reportedly fled Sokoto State and sought refuge in forest reserves across Ondo State.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the suspects alongside 22 others arrested for various criminal activities in the state.
Adeleye explained that the 39 suspects were captured following a United States-backed military strike on ISIS-affiliated groups in northern Nigeria.
“They were found at the Elegbeka axis in Ose Local Government Area, a location notorious for criminal activities and the site of the murder of the Olufon of Ifon years ago,” Adeleye said. “The suspects admitted relocating to our forests to escape the recent military operations up north.”
The commander emphasized that the government has mandated anyone residing in forest areas to obtain proper permits.
“The sudden influx of these elements raises serious concerns about security in our forest reserves,” he said.
According to Adeleye, the suspects were not on the move when arrested but were hibernating in the forest with vehicles parked far from their hideouts. “We were able to trap them and bring them together. Profiling is ongoing, and those found with incriminating items will face prosecution,” he added.
The arrests are part of Amotekun’s “ember-month” security operations, which involve deployment across four major areas in Ondo State. Adeleye noted that since the start of the operation, about 100 suspects have been apprehended, with 61 presented to the public on Tuesday.
A breakdown of the offences revealed that 50 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, two for violating anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related activities, and three for rape and gender-based violence.
“These arrests demonstrate our commitment to ensuring the safety of Ondo residents and curbing criminal activities in our forests,” Adeleye concluded.
