The Ondo command of the south-west security network, popularly known as Amotekun, has announced the arrest of 39 suspected terrorists said to have escaped from Sokoto and settled inside forest reserves in the state.
Adetunji Adeleye, commander of Amotekun in Ondo, addressed journalists on Tuesday in Akure while presenting a total of 61 suspects arrested for various offences.
The development follows the United States–backed military offensive against ISIS-linked elements in Sokoto state.
Last week, Donald Trump, former United States president, declared “powerful and deadly” strikes had been launched against terrorists operating in the north-west.
Adeleye revealed that the suspects were apprehended around the Elegbeka axis of Ose LGA, a corridor long regarded as a security flashpoint.
He described Elegbeka as a “persistent hub” for criminal operations and explained that Amotekun had stationed a permanent security base in the forest to counter cases of abduction and armed robbery.
“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested together, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they relocated into the forest,” Adeleye said.
“For anyone to stay in our forest areas, the government has made it clear that such a person must obtain permits. The sudden influx of these elements raises serious questions.
“We trapped them and brought them together. Profiling is almost completed. We are still profiling them. Those found with incriminating materials will surely be prosecuted.”
The Amotekun commander said the arrests were part of the corps’ ember-month security operations spread across the 18 LGAs of Ondo state.
He explained that the offences recorded included violations of public order, breaches of anti-open grazing laws, kidnapping-related crimes, rape, and gender-based violence.
“As we round up the ember-month patrol, which ends tomorrow, we have arrested about 100 suspects, out of which 61 are on parade today,” Adeleye said.
“Operation Le Won Jade Phase Two will commence from January 1, while our 24/7 patrol continues, just as the Amotekun Rangers domiciled in the forests will remain active.
“Two suspects — Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) — were arrested for kidnapping around the Ofosu, Odigbo axis, while three others, Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23), were apprehended in Isua Akoko.
“On rape and assault on Amotekun officers, Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure.
“In addition, Amotekun operatives arrested Ola Tunbosun (30), alongside Ibrahim and Shahidu, for armed robbery across Akure North, Oba Akoko, and Oba-Ile.”
Adeleye stated that the corps also dislodged a robbery syndicate that had been terrorising Akure and nearby communities.
He said the suspects operated with unpainted commercial vehicles without clear number plates, using them to deceive passengers before dispossessing them of valuables.
“The robbery took place in the heart of Akure. They stole a car on display and dispossessed residents of their valuables,” he said.
“We were able to arrest three suspects and the taxi. I appeal to members of the public to be wary of taxis without readable registration numbers.”
Adeleye noted that cooperation among Amotekun formations in the south-west region had strengthened border security since the military offensive in the north.
“The synergy between the border patrols of Ondo/Ekiti, Ondo/Osun and Ondo/Ogun has been yielding tremendous results,” he said.
“In fact, some suspects not paraded today were arrested in Ogun state and brought back to Ondo.”
He expressed appreciation to Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, for his continued support, and applauded security agencies and residents for their collaboration.