The Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has pledged to fortify the South-West region against infiltration by bandits and terrorists displaced by military operations in the country's northern zones. The assurance comes amid the arrest of dozens of suspects who fled conflict areas.
Border Synergy Leads to Major Arrests
Parading suspects at the corps headquarters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that 39 individuals claiming to have escaped from Sokoto State were apprehended by his operatives. He attributed this success to enhanced collaboration and border patrols between neighboring southwestern states.
"These 39 suspects themselves claimed they fled from the Sokoto area. So, that confirms your question," stated Commander Adeleye. "The synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/Ondo, Osun/Ondo, and Ogun/Ondo has been yielding tremendous results."
He added that some other suspects were not presented because investigations were still ongoing, noting that some had to be retrieved from Ogun State.
Ondo State Crackdown on Criminality
In a separate but related operation across Ondo State, Amotekun operatives arrested about 100 suspected criminals. Out of these, 61 were paraded on 30 December 2025 for various alleged offences.
Commander Adeleye provided a detailed breakdown of the arrests made across the state's 18 local government areas:
- 50 suspects were held for breaches of public peace and order.
- 2 suspects were arrested in connection with anti-open grazing violations.
- 6 individuals were detained for kidnapping-related activities.
- 3 persons faced allegations of gender-based violence and rape.
"I look at this as a concerted effort by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, to rid Ondo State of criminal enemies," Adeleye emphasized.
Specific Cases and Appreciation
The Amotekun boss highlighted several specific incidents, showcasing the corps' operational reach:
In the Ofosun Odigbo area, a 34-year-old named Mustafa and a 45-year-old Philip were arrested at the scene of a kidnapping. On the Isua Akoko axis, operatives apprehended 18-year-old Idris, 20-year-old Ibrahim Abdullahi, and 23-year-old Lawal Idris.
For cases of rape and assault on Amotekun officers, a 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, a 33-year-old Usman, and a 41-year-old Bejide were arrested in the Isinkan area. Armed robbery suspects arrested included 30-year-old Ola Tunbosun, Ibrahim, and Shahidu from locations in Akure North and Oba Akoko.
Commander Adeleye extended gratitude to Ondo State Governor, Honourable Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for providing an enabling environment. He also thanked all sister security agencies—including the police, civil defence, army, DSS, and local vigilantes—as well as the general public for their continued support.
This security push occurs against the backdrop of joint airstrikes by United States and Nigerian military forces targeting terrorist enclaves in northern Nigeria, which Amotekun believes is increasing pressure on criminals to seek safer zones elsewhere.
