The Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has pledged to strengthen the defence of the South-West region against bandits and terrorists displaced by military operations in the northern parts of the country. This commitment follows a significant security operation in Ondo State.
Major Arrest of Fleeing Suspects
In a decisive move, operatives of the Amotekun Corps apprehended 39 suspected terrorists who were allegedly fleeing from Sokoto State towards Ondo. The arrest is linked to the aftermath of a United States airstrike targeting terrorist enclaves at Elegbeka Forest in the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this development while parading suspects at the corps headquarters in Akure. He emphasized that the security outfit would leave no stone unturned in ensuring maximum safety for residents.
Synergy and Border Patrol Success
Commander Adeleye credited the successful interception to the enhanced collaboration and joint border patrols between neighbouring South-West states. "The synergy between the border patrols of Ekiti/Ondo, Osun/Ondo, and Ogun/Ondo has been yielding tremendous results," he stated.
He explained that the arrested individuals themselves claimed to have escaped from the Sokoto area. Adeleye also noted that some other suspects were not paraded as investigations were still ongoing, with some having to be retrieved from Ogun State.
Wider Crackdown on Criminality in Ondo
Beyond the terror suspects, the Amotekun Corps conducted a broader security sweep across Ondo State. Out of approximately 100 suspects arrested recently, 61 were paraded for various alleged crimes. The breakdown provided by the Amotekun Commander includes:
- 50 suspects for acts breaching public peace and order.
- 2 suspects related to violations of anti-open grazing laws.
- 6 suspects involved in kidnapping-related cases.
- 3 suspects accused of gender-based abuse and rape.
"I look at this as a concerted effort by Amotekun Corps to rid Ondo of criminal enemies," Adeleye said. He extended gratitude to the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for creating an enabling environment for the corps to operate effectively.
Call for Holistic Approach in the North-West
In a related development, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Committee, Muhammad Suraju, has cautioned that military action alone cannot end the security crisis in Nigeria's North-West. Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto, he advocated for a comprehensive strategy.
Suraju highlighted that the region faces complex threats fueled by banditry, extremist factions like the emerging Lakurawa group, and deep-seated socio-economic problems such as youth unemployment and governance gaps. "We are confronting long-term marginalisation... that extremist groups continue to exploit," he stated, calling for inclusive governance and community resilience programs.
