𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬: 𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗸𝘂𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 97 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗜𝗻 𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮, 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has raised alarm over an alleged influx of suspected criminal elements into forests and communities across the state.

The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that 97 suspects were arrested within the last 14 days during security operations across the 18 local government areas of the state.

The suspects were arrested for offences including alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle theft, hijacking, illegal entry into government forests and violation of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

Adeleye said security operatives intercepted groups of people, including women and children, moving into forest areas with household items such as bedding, cooking utensils, mortars and pestles, raising concerns over their intentions.

According to him, some of those arrested claimed they were fleeing military operations in northern Nigeria and had been invited by relatives already living in forest reserves and communities in Ondo State.

He revealed that one individual who claimed to have invited only two labourers later received 51 additional persons who arrived with their belongings in two trucks, a development he described as suspicious.

The Amotekun commander also disclosed the interception of another group of 16 persons allegedly heading towards the Ose/Owo forest area after being invited by an individual claiming to be a farmer.

He said investigations showed that some of the suspects allegedly served as informants and logistics suppliers for criminal gangs, while others were linked to kidnapping and robbery activities.

Adeleye added that security operatives uncovered a robbery syndicate accused of invading homes at night under the guise of visiting residents, forcing victims to transfer money electronically before stealing vehicles and valuables.

Several stolen vehicles were recovered from the suspects, including one allegedly used during an attack on security operatives before it was abandoned in a forest.

The Amotekun boss warned residents, community leaders and traditional rulers against admitting unknown persons into their communities without proper verification.

He said women and children among those without criminal involvement would be returned to their states with assistance from relevant community leaders, while suspects found culpable would face prosecution.

Adeleye attributed the recent security gains in Ondo State to cooperation between Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Army.

He assured residents that joint patrols of forests and vulnerable areas would continue to prevent criminal activities and maintain peace across the state.