The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested 39 suspects who allegedly fled Sokoto State and relocated into forest reserves in the state.

The state Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleke, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Akure while parading the suspects and 22 others arrested for various criminal offences in the state.

Mr Adeleye said the 39 suspects arrested were fleeing to Ondo State after the recent United States–backed military strike against ISIS terrorists in Northern Nigeria.

He said, “A couple of days ago, the 39 suspects were apprehended together at Elegbeka axis in the 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.”

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

The commander stated, “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 involves officers deployed on four major operations across Ondo State.

“As we round off 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.”

Commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security operations, Mr Adeleye said the state government continued to support security agencies without hesitation.

He, however, lauded the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the State Security Service (SSS), vigilance groups and members of the public for their cooperation.

(NAN)