The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following Christmas Day airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.
The suspects were among about 100 alleged criminals arrested across Ondo State and paraded on Tuesday by the Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from northern Nigeria and relocated to forest areas in Ondo State in the aftermath of the airstrikes.
“A few days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all claiming that due to the pressure mounted on them in the northern part of the country, they were relocating into forest areas,” Adeleye said.
He explained that the suspects are currently undergoing profiling, after which those without incriminating evidence may be transferred, while individuals found in possession of suspicious materials would be prosecuted.
“The government’s position is clear. Anyone seeking to stay within our forest areas must obtain the required permits.
The sudden influx of these elements raises serious concerns, and investigations are ongoing,” he added.
Adeleye said collaboration among border patrol teams across Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Ogun states had yielded significant results, noting that some suspects were not paraded because investigations were still ongoing, including cases that required operations outside the state.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, the Amotekun commander said 61 suspects were presented during the parade, while investigations continued on the remaining cases.
Of those paraded, 50 were arrested for offences related to breaches of law and order, two for violations of anti-open grazing laws, six in connection with kidnapping-related offences, and three for rape and other gender-based crimes.
He said the suspects’ ages ranged between 18 and 45 years.
On the alleged rape cases, Adeleye said three suspects identified as Daniel Ojo, 19; Usman, 33; and Bejide, 41 were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
Adeleye commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for security operations.
He also acknowledged the support of other security agencies, including the police, military, Department of State Services, civil defence corps, vigilante groups and members of the public.
