Ondo State command of the South-West security outfit, Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists believed to have moved into forest reserves in the state after fleeing from Sokoto.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were among 61 persons paraded on Tuesday in Akure by the Amotekun commander in the state, Adetunji Adeleye.
He said the arrests followed intensified security operations after recent military actions against terror groups in the North-West.
Adeleye explained that the suspects were picked up around the Elegbeka area of Ose Local Government Area, which he described as a long-standing security flashpoint.
He added that the security outfit has now set up a permanent post within the forest to curb kidnapping and armed robbery.
Adeleye said, “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.”
“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 agency’s ember-month security operations carried out across the 18 local government areas of the state.
He noted that offences recorded during the operation included violations of public order, kidnapping-related crimes, illegal grazing, and gender-based violence.
Adeleye said, “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.”
“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.”
Adeleye also listed other arrests made across the state, including suspects linked to kidnapping, rape, assault on Amotekun officers, and armed robbery in different communities.
He said the agency dismantled a robbery gang operating within Akure and nearby towns, noting that the suspects used unmarked taxis to lure passengers before robbing them.
The commander said, “The robbery took place in the heart of Akure. They stole a car on display and dispossessed residents of their valuables.”
“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 added that improved collaboration among Amotekun commands across the South-West has strengthened border surveillance following the security pressure in the northern part of the country.
He said, “The synergy between the border patrols of Ondo/Ekiti, Ondo/Osun, and Ondo/Ogun has been yielding tremendous results.”
“In fact, some suspects not paraded today were arrested in Ogun state and brought back to Ondo.”
He thanked Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the operations and commended other security agencies and residents for their cooperation.
