Amotekun nab 39 suspects who fled Sokoto, hid in Ondo forests

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, says it has arrested 39 suspects who allegedly escaped from Sokoto State and settled in forest reserves across Ondo State.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, made this known on Tuesday in Akure while parading the suspects.

He also presented 22 other individuals arrested for different criminal activities in the state.

Adeleye explained that the 39 suspects were picked up during intelligence-led operations after they allegedly ran from Sokoto State.

He said the suspects were believed to have relocated to Ondo following a recent United States–backed military strike targeting ISIS terrorists in northern Nigeria.

According to him, the suspects were found hiding in forest areas and were arrested to prevent them from posing security threats to residents.

He added that investigations were ongoing and that those found guilty would be handed over to relevant security agencies for prosecution.

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

“They claimed they relocated into the forests due to the strike on them in the northern part of the country.

“Elegbeka is a long-standing black spot for criminal activities, and it is the reason Amotekun established a permanent control post inside the forest to curb kidnapping and armed robbery.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the suspects were not trekking when they were arrested but were hibernating inside the forest, with vehicles parked far away from their hideouts.

“We trapped them and brought them together. We are still profiling them, but those found with incriminating materials will surely be prosecuted.

“The arrests are part of the agency’s ember-month security operations, which involve officers deployed on four major operations across Ondo State.

“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.

“A breakdown of the offences showed that 50 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, two suspects for anti-open grazing violations.

“Six suspects were also arrested for kidnapping-related offences, while three suspects were arrested for rape and gender-based violence,” the commander said.

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