Dozens Of Terrorists Flee Sokoto After Christmas Day US Airstrike, Arrested In Forests
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following Christmas Day airstrikes reportedly carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.
The suspects were part of 100 alleged criminals arrested across Ondo State and paraded on Tuesday by the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.
Speaking during the parade, Adeleye said the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from northern Nigeria due to intensified military pressure and subsequently relocated to forest areas within Ondo State.
“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 are relocating into the forest,” Adeleye said.
He explained that the suspects are currently undergoing profiling. According to him, those found in possession of incriminating materials will be prosecuted, while others may be sent back to their states after investigations.
“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,” he stated.
Adeleye warned that the Ondo State Government does not allow unregulated movement or settlement within forest reserves, stressing that anyone wishing to occupy such areas must obtain official approval.
“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,” he added.
The Amotekun commander also disclosed that enhanced collaboration among border patrol teams in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states had contributed significantly to recent arrests. He revealed that some suspects were apprehended outside Ondo State and brought back for investigation.
“The synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/Ondo, Osun/Ondo, Ogun/Ondo has yielded tremendous results such that we have some suspects not paraded today because investigations are ongoing. We even had to go to Ogun State to bring some suspects back,” he said.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Adeleye said that out of the 100 suspects arrested, 61 were paraded. According to him, 50 were arrested for breach of law and order, two for anti-open grazing offences, six for kidnapping-related cases, and three for rape and gender-based violence. The suspects’ ages range between 18 and 45 years.
On the rape allegations, Adeleye said three suspects — identified as 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, 33-year-old Usman, and 41-year-old Bejide — were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.
He commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for the Amotekun Corps to operate, and also praised other security agencies for their cooperation and support.
