Amotekun Arrests 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After Christmas Day U.S. Airstrikes

Akure, Ondo State– The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following Christmas Day airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West.

The suspects were among over 100 alleged criminals arrested across Ondo State and paraded by the Amotekun Commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, during a briefing on the outfit’s recent security operations.

According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed they escaped from northern Nigeria due to intensified military pressure and subsequently relocated to forest reserves in Ondo State in a bid to evade arrest.

“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 added that the suspects are currently undergoing profiling, stressing that while some may be transferred back to where they came from, those found in possession of incriminating items would be prosecuted.

“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 noted that the Ondo State Government has made it clear that no individual or group is allowed to occupy forest areas without proper authorisation.

“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,” he said, adding that the suspects have already been arraigned.

The Amotekun commander further disclosed that enhanced collaboration among border patrols in Ekiti/Ondo, Osun/Ondo and Ogun/Ondo corridors has led to significant security breakthroughs.

“The synergy has yielded tremendous results. Some suspects were not paraded today because investigations are ongoing. In some cases, we had to go as far as Ogun State to bring suspects back,” he revealed.

On the overall arrest figures, Adeleye said about 100 suspects were apprehended, out of which 61 were paraded.

He explained that 50 were arrested for breaking law and order, two for anti-open grazing offences, six for kidnapping-related cases, and three for rape and other forms of gender-based abuse.

He said the ages of the suspects ranged between 18 and 45 years.

Giving details on the alleged rape cases, Adeleye said three suspects — Daniel Ojo, 19; Usman, 33; and Bejide, 41 — were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital.

Adeleye commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for the security outfit to operate effectively.

“We appreciate the governor for giving us the support to thrive. We also thank all security agencies in the state — the police, civil defence, the army, the DSS, vigilantes, and the general public — for their cooperation,” he said.