The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State following the Christmas Day airstrikes carried out by the United States military in Nigeria’s North-West, according to a report from Vanguard News.
Parading a total of 100 suspected criminals arrested across the state, the Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects claimed they relocated to Ondo forests after escaping heightened security pressure in northern Nigeria.
Adeleye said, “A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested, all 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,” adding that profiling was ongoing and that those found with incriminating items would be prosecuted.
He noted that the sudden influx raised security concerns, stressing that permits were required to stay in forest areas, while also disclosing that about 100 suspects were arrested for offences including kidnapping, anti-open grazing violations, rape, and breach of law and order, with ages ranging from 18 to 45 years.