AMOTEKUN INTERCEPTS 97 SUSPECTED BANDITS, OTHERS IN ONDO

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has intercepted 97 suspects, including women linked to fleeing bandits allegedly relocating from northern parts of the country into forests and communities in the state.

The corps also expressed concern over what it described as the increasing movement of suspected criminal elements into Ondo, warning that the development could heighten security threats if not checked.

Addressing journalists in Akure during the parade of the suspects, Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said those arrested within the last two weeks were picked up for various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, illegal occupation of forest reserves, vehicle theft and breaches of the state’s anti-open grazing law.

According to him, some of the suspects were believed to be informants and suppliers providing support for criminal gangs operating in forested areas across the state.

Adeleye said security operatives recovered several stolen vehicles from the suspects, including one allegedly used during an attack on security personnel before it was abandoned inside a forest.

He disclosed that operatives intercepted groups of men, women and children travelling into forest locations with household items such as mattresses, cooking utensils and other personal belongings, prompting investigations into their intentions.

Preliminary findings, he said, indicated that some of the individuals claimed they had fled intensified military operations in northern Nigeria and were responding to invitations from relatives already residing in parts of Ondo State.

The commander cited an instance where a resident who reportedly sought two labourers ended up receiving 51 additional persons who moved into a forest settlement with their possessions.

In another case, 16 persons allegedly invited by a self-acclaimed farmer were intercepted en route to the Ose/Owo axis, an area that has recorded security concerns in recent times.

Adeleye noted that women and children among those intercepted would, after due profiling, be returned to their states of origin in collaboration with Miyetti Allah and Hausa community leaders, while suspects found culpable of criminal activities would face prosecution.

He urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to be vigilant and desist from accommodating unknown persons without proper verification, stressing that collective responsibility remains crucial to safeguarding lives and property in the state.

“Residents must be cautious and report suspicious movements to security agencies. The safety of our communities depends on our vigilance,” he said.