Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, has arrested 97 suspects across the state in a sweeping anti‑crime operation targeting kidnapping, armed robbery, vehicle theft, and violations of the anti‑open grazing law. During the parade of suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, raised an alarm over what he described as a “fresh movement of people from northern parts of the country into forest communities” in the state, warning that the trend could pose significant security challenges if left unchecked.
Security operatives intercepted several groups of people, including women of different ages, travelling into forests with household items such as bedding, cooking utensils, mortars, and pestles. Preliminary investigations revealed that some individuals claimed they were fleeing security pressure in northern Nigeria and had been invited by persons already residing in forest settlements within the state. Adeleye cited a case where a man who reportedly requested only two labourers later received 51 additional persons who moved into a forest area with their belongings, a development he described as “suspicious and worthy of further investigation”. Another group of 16 persons, allegedly invited by an individual claiming to be a farmer, was intercepted while heading towards the Ose‑Owo forest axis, an area that has witnessed security concerns in recent years.
Among the 97 suspects paraded were individuals arrested in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, vehicle hijacking, and theft, as well as suspected informants and logistics suppliers to criminal gangs operating in forests across the state. Adeleye revealed that some suspects confessed to acting as informants for kidnappers, while two others allegedly disguised themselves as mentally ill persons to conceal their identities and gather information for criminal elements. The commander also announced the dismantling of a robbery syndicate accused of invading homes at night under the guise of being visitors, holding occupants hostage, forcing them to transfer money electronically, and making away with vehicles and other valuables.
Adeleye attributed the successes to collaboration between Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army. He praised residents for providing timely intelligence and commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for supporting the agency, particularly through the approval of full government funding for the Orange Insurance Scheme covering Amotekun personnel and their families.
On the fate of the suspects, Adeleye said investigations and profiling had been completed. Individuals found without criminal links would be returned to their states of origin in collaboration with community leaders, while those connected to criminal activities would be prosecuted. He warned community leaders, traditional rulers and residents of Ondo State to stop admitting strangers into their areas amidst the growing security concerns, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
The security outfit also displayed several stolen vehicles recovered from the suspects, some of which were allegedly used during attacks on security personnel.
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