The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 persons suspected to be fleeing from the northern part of Nigeria following recent airstrikes carried out by the United States military. The arrests were made as part of wider security operations aimed at protecting Ondo State from possible infiltration by criminals, bandits, and terrorists.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, made this known while parading 61 suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, the state capital. According to him, the suspects paraded were part of about 100 persons arrested across different parts of the state for various crimes.
Adeleye said intelligence reports showed that some criminal elements were attempting to move from the northern region into states in the South-West to escape pressure from security operations and foreign military actions. He explained that Amotekun, working with other security agencies, had stepped up surveillance and patrols across Ondo State to stop such movements.
“Out of the suspects arrested, 39 are linked to movements from the northern part of the country, where there have been intense security actions. We have taken steps to ensure that Ondo State does not become a safe haven for fleeing criminals,” Adeleye said.
He assured residents that the corps had put strong measures in place to secure the state’s borders, forests, highways, and rural communities. These measures include increased patrols, joint operations with federal security agencies, and support from local vigilante groups.
During the parade, the Amotekun commander gave a breakdown of the alleged offences committed by the suspects. He said 50 of them were arrested for actions related to the breakdown of law and order, while six were linked to kidnapping cases. Two suspects were arrested for violating the state’s anti-open grazing law, while three were arrested over cases of gender abuse and rape.
Adeleye praised the cooperation between Amotekun and other security agencies in the state. He listed the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes, and members of the public as key partners in the recent arrests.
“We thank all security agencies in the state, the police, the civil defence, the army, the DSS, the vigilantes, and the public generally for the support we received from them,” he said.
Giving specific examples, Adeleye said two suspects were arrested for kidnapping in the Ofosun area of Odigbo Local Government Area. The suspects were identified as Mustafa, 34, and Philip, 45. He said they were apprehended at the scene during an operation by Amotekun officers.
In another operation in the Isua Akoko axis, three suspects were arrested. They include Idris, 18; Ibrahim Abdullahi, 20; and Lawal Idris, 23. The commander said the suspects were being investigated for their alleged roles in criminal activities within the area.
On cases involving rape and assault on Amotekun officers, Adeleye said three suspects were arrested in Isinkan area of Akure. They were identified as Daniel Ojo, 19; Usman, 33; and Bejide, 41. He said the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.
The Amotekun boss also disclosed that suspects linked to armed robbery were arrested in different locations across the state. Among them were Ola Tunbosun, 30, Ibrahim, and Shahidu. The arrests took place around the shore of Akure North, Oba Akoko, and Oba Ile, also in Akure North Local Government Area.
Adeleye stressed that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty and would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The recent arrests come against the background of growing security concerns across Nigeria. In the northern part of the country, security forces have continued operations against armed groups, bandits, and insurgents. Reports of foreign military involvement, including airstrikes by the United States targeting extremist groups in parts of Africa, have raised fears that fighters could move across borders or into other regions to escape pressure.
In the South-West, governors established the Amotekun Corps in 2020 to support federal security agencies in tackling crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and farmer-herder clashes. In Ondo State, Amotekun has been active in forest patrols, highway monitoring, and community-based intelligence gathering.
Ondo State has experienced its share of security challenges in recent years, including attacks on highways, kidnappings, and clashes between farmers and herders. The state government has repeatedly said it will not allow criminal elements to destabilize communities or threaten residents.
Residents of the state have welcomed the recent actions by Amotekun, saying the visible presence of security personnel has helped to reduce fear. Some community leaders also called on the government to continue supporting the corps with equipment, training, and welfare for its officers.
Adeleye appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post. He said security is a collective responsibility and cannot be left to government alone.
“As we continue our operations, we urge the people of Ondo State to support us with timely and accurate information. Together, we can keep our communities safe,” he said.
The Amotekun Corps said it would continue to work closely with other security agencies to ensure peace and stability across Ondo State, while investigations into the arrested suspects continue.