Ondo Amotekun arrests 39 suspects fleeing US strikes in Sokoto

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested 39 suspects who allegedly fled Sokoto State to relocate into forest reserves in Ondo State. Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, the state’s Commander of Amotekun, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects, alongside 22 others arrested for various criminal offences across […]

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested 39 suspects who allegedly fled Sokoto State to relocate into forest reserves in Ondo State.

Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, the state’s Commander of Amotekun, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading the suspects, alongside 22 others arrested for various criminal offences across the state.

Adeleye said the 39 suspects fled to Ondo following recent US-backed military strikes against ISIS terrorists in Northern Nigeria.

He said, “A couple of days ago, the 39 suspects were apprehended together at the Elegbeka axis in Ose LGA—a notorious security flashpoint where the Olufon of Ifon was murdered some years ago.

“They claimed they relocated to the forests due to the strikes against them in the Northern part of the country. Elegbeka has been a long-standing black spot for criminal activity, which is why Amotekun established a permanent control post inside the forest to curb kidnapping and armed robbery.

“The government has made it clear that anyone staying in our forest areas must obtain a permit. The sudden influx of these elements raises serious questions.”

He noted that the suspects were not travelling when they were apprehended but were “hibernating” inside the forest, with their vehicles parked a significant distance from their hideout.

He further said, “We trapped them and brought them together. We are currently profiling them, and those found with incriminating materials will certainly be prosecuted. These arrests are part of the agency’s ‘Ember Months’ security operations which involve officers deployed across four major operations in Ondo State.

“As we conclude the Ember Months patrol, which ends tomorrow, we have arrested approximately 100 suspects, 61 of whom are on parade today.

“A breakdown of the offences shows that 50 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, and two suspects for anti-open grazing violations. Six suspects were arrested for kidnapping-related offences, while three were arrested for rape and gender-based violence.”