The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has intercepted and detained 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto following intense United States military operations in the North-West.
The 39 suspected terrorists were reportedly attempting to hide within the dense forest reserves of Ondo State to escape the heat of recent “powerful and deadly” U.S.-backed airstrikes targeting extremist strongholds.
The arrests come in the wake of a significant escalation in counter-terrorism efforts in Northern Nigeria.
Following recent U.S. airstrikes on ISIS-linked hideouts in Sokoto State, military pressure has forced many insurgents to vacate their traditional bases.
According to the Amotekun State Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, the 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto were apprehended during an “Ember Month” patrol aimed at securing the state during the festive season.
Parading 100 suspected criminals arrested across the state, the state commander of the security outfit said that after escaping from the Northern parts of the state, they relocated to the forests in the state.
Adeleye said: ”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.
“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.
“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.
Adeleye added that the synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/ Ondo, Osun/Ondo, and Ogun/Ondo has yielded tremendous results, such that we have some suspects not paraded today because we’ve not completed investigations, and we had to go to Ogun State to bring them back.
Speaking on other suspects paraded, the commander said,” We have arrested about 100 suspects, out of which 61 are on parade today, 50 of them engaged in breaking the law and order, two on anti-open grazing, six on kidnapping-related cases, and three on abuse of gender and rape.
The commander said that the age bracket of the suspects ranged between 18 and 45 years.
On the alleged rape, Adeleye said that three suspects, including a 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and a 41-year-old Bejide 41, have been arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
Adeleye appreciated the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for giving us an enabling environment to thrive. We thank all security agencies in the state, the police, the civil defense, the army, the DSS, the vigilantes, and the public generally for the support we received from them.
