Amotekun arrests 39 suspects who fled Sokoto State and hid in Ondo forest reserves, alongside 22 others for various criminal offences

Akure, Ondo State The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspects who allegedly fled Sokoto State and sought refuge in forest reserves across the state.

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The arrests were announced on Tuesday by Amotekun State Commander Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, during a parade of the suspects in Akure.

The suspects were apprehended at the Elegbeka axis in Ose Local Government Area, a notorious security flashpoint where the Olufon of Ifon was murdered several years ago.

Adeleye stated the individuals claimed they relocated to Ondo forests following a United States-backed military strike against ISIS terrorists in northern Nigeria.

“The Elegbeka area has long been a hotspot for criminal activities, prompting Amotekun to establish a permanent control post within the forest to curb kidnapping and armed robbery,” Adeleye said.

“The sudden influx of these elements raises serious concerns for security in our forest areas.”

The operation was part of Amotekun’s ember-month security patrols, which have been deployed across four major operations in Ondo State.

The commander revealed that, in total, about 100 suspects have been arrested during the patrols, with 61 paraded on Tuesday.

A breakdown of the offences showed 50 suspects were arrested for breaches of law and order, two for anti-open grazing violations, six for kidnapping-related offences, and three for rape and gender-based violence.

Adeleye added that the 39 Sokoto suspects were found hibernating inside the forest, with vehicles parked far from their hideouts.

“We trapped them and brought them together. Those found with incriminating materials will face prosecution,” he said.

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The arrests highlight the agency’s continued commitment to combating crime and securing Ondo State during the high-risk ember-month period.