39 Fugitives from Sokuto Captured in Ondo Forest Operation

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, has arrested 39 individuals who allegedly fled Sokoto State and relocated to forest reserves within Ondo. The suspects were paraded on Tuesday alongside 22 others detained for various criminal offences.

State Commander Mr. Adetunji Adeleye stated that the group was apprehended in the Elegbeka area of Ose Local Government, a known security flashpoint. He said the suspects claimed to have moved south following recent U.S.-backed military strikes against ISIS terrorists in northern Nigeria.

“They claimed they relocated into the forests due to the strike on them in the northern part of the country,” Adeleye said. “For anyone to stay in our forest areas, the government has made it clear that such a person must obtain permits. The sudden influx of these elements raises serious questions.”

Adeleye described the Elegbeka forest as a long-standing black spot for crime, where Amotekun maintains a permanent control post. He noted the suspects were not traveling but were “hibernating” inside the forest with vehicles parked at a distance.

“We are still profiling them, but those found with incriminating materials will surely be prosecuted,” he added.

The arrests were part of the agency’s concluding ember-month security operations.

Adeleye reported that about 100 suspects were detained in total, with 61 paraded on Tuesday. A breakdown provided shows 50 arrests for breach of law and order, six for kidnapping-related offences, three for rape and gender-based violence, and two for violating anti-open grazing laws.