Amotekun Nabs 39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Northern Military Pressure, Exposes Fresh Security Threat in Ondo Forests

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State and sought refuge in forest reserves across Ondo State. The arrests followed intensified military operations in Nigeria’s North-West, including reported airstrikes on Christmas Day that forced criminal elements to scatter in search of safer hideouts.

The suspects were part of a larger group of 100 alleged criminals apprehended across different locations in Ondo State and paraded on Tuesday by the State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye. Out of the 100 suspects arrested during recent coordinated operations, 61 were publicly paraded, while investigations are still ongoing on the remaining individuals.

According to Chief Adeleye, the 39 suspects specifically claimed that they escaped from the northern part of the country due to mounting military pressure and relocated to forest areas in Ondo State, believing they could hide undetected. He disclosed that the sudden influx of unfamiliar individuals into forest reserves raised red flags, prompting intensified surveillance and patrols by Amotekun operatives.

“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested together, all 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 stated. He explained that the suspects are currently undergoing detailed profiling and interrogation to determine their true identities, affiliations, and intentions.

The Amotekun commander emphasized that Ondo State does not permit unchecked movement or settlement within its forest reserves. He stressed that anyone seeking to reside or operate in forest areas must obtain proper authorization from the state government. According to him, the unexplained movement of large groups into forests without approval poses serious security concerns.

“The government has made its position very clear. For you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits. So, the sudden influx of these elements raises a lot of questions that we are still working on,” Adeleye said. He added that suspects found in possession of incriminating weapons, equipment, or materials would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while others may be repatriated after thorough investigations.

Beyond the 39 suspected terrorists, Adeleye provided a breakdown of other arrests made across the state. He revealed that 50 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, two for violations of anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related offences, and three for rape and gender-based violence. The ages of the suspects, he said, range between 18 and 45 years.

On the rape allegations, the Amotekun boss disclosed that three suspects — Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) — were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure, the state capital, in connection with reported sexual assault cases.

Chief Adeleye attributed the success of the recent operations to improved inter-state collaboration among border patrol teams from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states. He noted that the strengthened synergy has made it increasingly difficult for criminals to exploit state boundaries as escape routes. According to him, some suspects were apprehended outside Ondo State and brought back for investigation.

“The synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/Ondo, Osun/Ondo, and Ogun/Ondo has yielded tremendous results. In some cases, we had to go as far as Ogun State to bring suspects back,” he explained.

The Amotekun commander commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for the corps to function effectively. He also praised other security agencies for their cooperation, stressing that collective efforts remain critical in tackling insecurity.

The arrests have sparked widespread public reactions, with many Nigerians praising Amotekun for its vigilance, while others urged caution to ensure that innocent individuals are not wrongly accused. As investigations continue, the development underscores growing concerns about the movement of armed groups from troubled regions into relatively peaceful states, and the urgent need for sustained security vigilance nationwide.