The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest of no fewer than 61 suspected criminals across the state.
Adeleye disclosed this while speaking during an interview on Wednesday, stating that the suspects, including 39 men, were apprehended in a remote location between Ifon and Akure.
According to him, some of the suspects originated from Kano and Sokoto States.
“Amotekun paraded 61 suspected criminals, inclusive of 39 men, arrested in a dark spot between Ifon and Akure, precisely in the forest of Elegbeka. There were other suspects who were also paraded, and we have commenced profiling.
“As soon as it’s concluded, our necessary steps in conjunction with other relevant security agencies will be taken,” he said.
The commander explained that preliminary findings revealed the suspects travelled in two vehicles from Sokoto State, while others came from Kano. They reportedly converged in the Elegbeka forest area within Ose, Owo Local Government Area, with the intention of settling there.
He added that Amotekun maintains a strong security presence in the forests, including armored rangers, control points at strategic locations, border patrols, and continuous patrol operations. These measures, he said, make it easier to detect illegal occupation of forest reserves.
“It was during one of these operations that we received credible information, acted upon it, and were able to arrest 39 of them. We then brought them back to headquarters for detailed profiling,” Adeleye said.
He reiterated that for over five years, Amotekun has remained a key solution to insecurity at the grassroots level.
“This is because Amotekun provides a homegrown solution to domestic or local problems, that is, insecurity in our domain,” he stated.
Adeleye further noted that the corps’ structure allows for effective identification of criminal elements.
“Looking at it from both the conventional and non-conventional angles, you will find that it is always easy for Amotekun to detect criminals among the locals because the majority of recruits are from the area. It is therefore very easy to identify strangers when they come in,” he added.
