Sequel to the recent bombardment of terrorist hideouts in Sokoto and Kwara states, the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has raised concern over a growing influx of young, unemployed men into the Southwest without clear destinations or purposes.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading 32 crime suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to Adeleye, security agencies in the state have, in recent times, observed a noticeable movement of unemployed youths from the northern part of the country into Ondo State, many of whom are unable to clearly explain the reasons for their presence.
He said that after proper profiling, some of the individuals were returned to their states of origin in collaboration with other security agencies when they failed to provide credible reasons for entering the state.
“In recent times, we have observed a renewed upsurge in the influx of young, unemployed men from the upper part of the country into the state,” the Amotekun boss said.
“In collaboration with other security agencies, we have continued to do everything within our capacity to return those who do not have genuine reasons for coming into the state back to their states of origin.”
Akogun Adeleye also addressed a recent social media report alleging that terrorists had invaded Akure, clarifying that the claim was false. He explained that the incident involved the arrest of 42 persons hidden inside a truck loaded with bitumen, not an invasion by bandits.
“Only recently, I came across a social media video clip where people were shouting that bandits had entered Akure,” he said.
“Let me state clearly that bandits did not enter Akure. What actually happened was that 42 persons were found hidden inside a truck loaded with bitumen. Investigations and profiling of these individuals have since commenced.”
On the 32 suspects paraded, the Amotekun commander revealed that 12 were arrested for contravening public law and order, three for violating the anti-grazing law, while 17 are linked to kidnap-related offences, marking a rise in kidnapping cases in the state.
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Among the suspects, he said, were three men — Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25) — who allegedly attempted to kill their Fulani employer after rustling 10 cows in Idoani.
In Oba-Akoko, Adeleye disclosed that intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of two suspects, Pius (23) and John (35), during what they believed was a ransom exchange linked to kidnapping incidents around Akungba-Akoko.
He added that other accomplices remain at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend them.
He further stated that Elura, Alilu, Adamu and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29, were arrested around Ile Oluji and Ondo town for various criminal activities.
In the Akin Camp and Odigbo axis, Amotekun operatives arrested Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu, aged between 22 and 35, and Abba Aliu (29).
One of the suspects, he noted, had previously escaped from lawful custody after an earlier kidnapping arrest but was later re-arrested. The victims involved in the incident were successfully rescued.
In Agbogbo area of Akure, three suspects were apprehended in possession of items they could not reasonably explain, while four others were arrested at the same Akure garage for conspiracy, assault and breach of public peace.
Similarly, in connection with conspiracy, stealing and anti-grazing-related offences in Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, Amotekun arrested Abdulahi, Kada and Useni, while Friday (43) was arrested for breaking and stealing.
The commander also disclosed that Yayah Abba was arrested for stealing in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar, involving motorcycles and water pumps.
Akogun Adeleye reiterated the commitment of the Amotekun Corps to working with other security agencies to maintain peace and security across Ondo State, while urging the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic.