Ondo State Security Network, also known as Operation Amotekun has apprehended 39 fleeing suspected terrorists in a forest within the state.
Men of the Amotekun security network arrested the suspected terrorists at Elegbeka forest in Ose Local Government of the state.
The Commandant of Amotekun corps, Adetunji Adeleye said those arrested confirmed they had fled their respective states due to ongoing airstrikes against terrorists.
He disclosed that the arrested suspects were between the ages of 18 and 45, stating that they were hiding in the forest with two vehicles parked at a distance.
He noted that the sudden influx of the suspected criminal elements raised many questions being investigated by the command.
“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested altogether, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they are relocating to the forest.
“We are still profiling them, and after profiling, we may send some back. But those found with incriminating equipment and materials will surely be prosecuted.
“The government has made its position known,that for you to stay in our forest areas, you must obtain permits. So, the sudden influx of these elements poses a lot of questions that we are still working on,” he said.
On other suspected criminals, Adeleye disclosed that about 100 of them were arrested across the 18 local governments of the state, out of which 61 were paraded.
He said 50 were apprehended for breaches of law and order, two for anti-open grazing violations, six for kidnapping-related cases and three for gender abuse and rape.
