The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, has apprehended 39 individuals suspected of being terrorists who reportedly fled Sokoto State.
The suspects allegedly moved toward the South-West to escape the impact of recent “powerful and deadly” United States airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in North-Western Nigeria.
The State Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, announced the arrests on Tuesday in Akure during the parade of 61 suspects caught during “Ember Month” operations.
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“These 39 suspects themselves claimed they fled from the Sokoto area,” Adeleye told reporters.
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The commander noted that the suspects, aged 18 to 45, are currently being profiled.
He emphasized that anyone found with incriminating evidence would face immediate prosecution.
To prevent further influxes, Amotekun has fortified border patrols connecting Ondo to Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, and Kwara states.
Breakdown of the 61 Paraded Suspects:
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39: Suspected terrorists fleeing the North.
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6: Kidnapping-related crimes.
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3: Gender-based violence and rape.
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2: Anti-open grazing law violations.
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11: Various breaches of law and order.
Among those paraded were Mustafa (34) and Philip (45), caught for kidnapping in Odigbo LGA, and a robbery gang in Akure North that specialized in “one-chance” operations.
Adeleye explained their tactic of picking up passengers and using firearms to rob them before pushing them out of moving vehicles.
“The suspects were allegedly part of a robbery gang that recently stole a vehicle in Akure, with plans to transport it to Abuja for sale,” the commander added.
Commander Adeleye confirmed that while the festive patrol ends today, security will tighten further with “Operation Le Jade Phase Two” starting on January 1.
He credited Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his unwavering support and thanked the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence for their continued synergy.
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