The Ondo State security outfit, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following Christmas Day airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.
The suspects were among 100 alleged criminals arrested across Ondo State and paraded on Tuesday by the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from the northern part of the country due to increased military pressure and subsequently relocated to forest areas within 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 disclosed that the suspects are currently undergoing profiling, adding that those found with incriminating materials would be prosecuted, while others may be sent back after investigations.
“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 warned that the state government does not permit unchecked movement or settlement in forest reserves, stressing that individuals must obtain approval before occupying such areas.
“The government has made its position known. For you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits. So, the sudden influx of this element poses a lot of questions that we are still working on. I have them equally arraigned,” he added.
The Amotekun commander said improved collaboration among border patrol teams from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Ogun states had yielded significant results, revealing that some suspects were apprehended outside Ondo State and brought back for investigation.
“The synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/ Ondo, Osun/Ondo, Ogun/Ondo have yielded tremendous results such that we have some suspects not paraded today because we’ve not completed investigations, that we had to go to Ogun State to bring them back,” he said.
Giving a breakdown of other arrests, Adeleye disclosed that out of the 100 suspects arrested, 61 were paraded.
He said 50 were arrested for breach of law and order, two for anti-open grazing offences, six for kidnapping-related cases, and three for rape and gender-based abuse.
He added that the suspects’ ages range between 18 and 45 years.
On the rape allegations, Adeleye said three suspects, identified as 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, 33-year-old Usman, and 41-year-old Bejide, were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
The Amotekun boss commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for what he described as an enabling environment for the corps to operate, while also praising other security agencies for their cooperation.
Sahara Reporters
