The Amotekun security outfit has deported at least 114 individuals, primarily from the northern regions of the country, in Ondo State. They were accused of illegally entering the state’s forests.
Adetunji Adeleye, the State Commander of Amotekun, addressed the media on Sunday, confirming that the individuals were being transported in two trucks, destined for distribution across various forest areas, including Ore and Ofosu.
Adeleye explained that, in recent weeks, security agencies had been conducting extensive operations to combat the infiltration of outsiders into Ondo State’s forests.
He further stated that the state governor had issued a directive to expel all individuals unable to provide a legitimate reason for being in the state’s remote forests.
These individuals, Adeleye mentioned, would be returned to their places of origin.
“I want to emphasise that numerous weapons were seized from them. These included locally made firearms linked to various criminal activities. Their modus operandi involves hiding in the forests, launching attacks, and then retreating into the woods,” Adeleye stated.
“This group of over a hundred individuals was loaded into two trucks, intending to be dispersed across the state’s forest belt, from Ore to Ofosu and beyond. We carried out a thorough profiling and discovered that, except for three of them, none knew their destination. They were simply being sent into the forests, awaiting further instructions from their handlers.”
The Amotekun commander added that while Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, it must be exercised for legitimate purposes. He reiterated that the governor had ordered their return to their places of origin.
Adeleye showcased some of the locally made weapons confiscated from the group during the operation.
In response to this development, Bala Umaru, the leader of the Hausa community in Ondo State, expressed gratitude to the government for prioritising the safety of residents and ensuring the safe return of the individuals to their home state.
The individuals have since been returned to their respective locations across the country.
