US Airstrike Fallout: Amotekun Arrests 100 Suspects, Nabs 39 Bandits Fleeing into Ondo Forests
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has intensified security operations across the state following the fallout of a recent United States airstrike in northern Nigeria, arresting about 100 suspected criminals, including 39 bandits who fled into forest areas of Ondo State.
Commander of the Corps, Akogun.
Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during a media briefing in Akure, explaining that the heightened security pressure in the North, triggered by the US airstrike, forced several criminal elements to relocate southward in search of cover, particularly into forested areas.
According to him, although the ember-month patrols are ending, security activities remain at full throttle with the commencement of Operation Le Won Jade Phase Two from January 1, alongside sustained 24-hour patrols and continuous forest surveillance by Amotekun rangers.
Adeleye said the arrests were made across the 18 local government areas of the state, cutting across kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, gender-based violence, anti-grazing violations and other threats to public order.
Out of the suspects arrested, 61 were paraded, including 15 for breaking law and order, two for anti-grazing offences, six for kidnapping-related crimes, and three linked to rape and abuse of gender.
He gave details that Mustapha (34) and Philip (45) were arrested around the Ofosu–Odigbo axis for kidnapping, while Idris (18), Abdullahi (20) and Lawal Idris (23) were apprehended in the Esua Akoko area for rape and assault on Amotekun operatives. In Isikan, Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33) and Yetunde (41) were also arrested for rape-related offences.
On armed robbery, Adeleye said Olatunbosun (30), Ibrahim, and Shaibu were arrested in Akure North, Oba Akoko and Oba-Ile. He explained that some of the suspects operated using unpainted taxis to rob unsuspecting passengers, adding that a stolen vehicle and a taxi used for such operations were recovered.
The commander disclosed that a major breakthrough occurred at the Elegbeka forest axis, a known crime hotspot, where 39 suspects were arrested while hiding in the forest.
According to him, the suspects admitted that they fled from the northern region after the US airstrike intensified security operations, prompting them to seek refuge in Ondo forests.
He noted that government regulations require permits for anyone to reside in forest areas, stressing that the sudden influx of unfamiliar persons raised serious security concerns. He said all suspects are undergoing profiling, adding that those found with incriminating materials will be prosecuted, while others may be repatriated after investigations.
Adeleye said Amotekun’s strengthened border patrol collaboration with Ekiti, Osun and Ogun states has yielded significant results, leading to additional arrests still under investigation.
He thanked Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for providing the enabling environment that has strengthened Amotekun’s operations, and also commended the police, DSS, NSCDC, the military, vigilantes and the general public for their support.
The commander urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly cautioning against boarding taxis without clear registration numbers, and reaffirmed Amotekun’s commitment to ensuring that Ondo State remains hostile terrain for criminal elements displaced by security operations elsewhere.
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