The Ondo State security corps, Amotekun, has apprehended 39 individuals suspected of terrorism who reportedly fled Sokoto State after the Christmas Day airstrikes conducted by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West region.
During a parade of 100 suspects arrested across the state, Amotekun State Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the 39 suspects claimed to have escaped from Sokoto and sought refuge in Ondo State forests.
Adeleye stated, “A few days ago, we apprehended 39 suspects who indicated that due to the pressure from security operations in the North, they relocated to our forest areas. We are currently profiling them, and those found with illegal equipment or materials will face prosecution. Staying in forested areas requires proper permits, and the sudden arrival of these individuals raises several concerns we are addressing.”
He added that collaboration with neighboring states’ border patrols, including Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun, has been instrumental in tracking suspects, noting that some individuals have not yet been paraded as investigations continue.
Regarding the other suspects presented, Adeleye said, “Out of the 100 apprehended, 61 are on display today. Among them, 50 are linked to public order violations, two to anti-open grazing regulations, six to kidnapping-related cases, and three to sexual offenses.”
The age range of the suspects is between 18 and 45 years. For the alleged sexual offenses, three suspects—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.
Adeleye commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing the security corps with an enabling environment to operate and expressed gratitude to all supporting agencies, including the police, civil defense, army, DSS, vigilantes, and the general public.
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