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US strike: Amotekun arrests 39 suspects fleeing Sokoto in Ondo forest (PHOTOS)

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The ripple effects of the recent United States–backed military strike against ISIS terrorists in Northern Nigeria have reached Ondo State, as the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, on Tuesday announced the arrest of 39 suspects who allegedly fled Sokoto State and relocated to forest reserves in the state.

Adetunji Adeleye, the State Commander of Amotekun, disclosed this while parading 61 suspects arrested for various criminal offences at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects were apprehended at the Elegbeka axis in Ose Local Government Area, a notorious security flashpoint where the Olufon of Ifon was murdered some years ago.

“A couple of days ago, 39 suspects were arrested together, claiming that as a result of the heat turned on them in the northern part of the country, they relocated into the forest,” Adeleye said.

Adeleye, who described Elegbeka as a long-standing black spot for criminal activities, said Amotekun had established a permanent control post inside the forest to curb kidnapping and armed robbery. “For anyone to stay in our forest areas, the government has made it clear that such a person must obtain permits. The sudden influx of these elements raises serious questions,” he noted.

He explained that the suspects were not trekking when arrested but were hibernating inside the forest, with vehicles parked far away from their hideout. “We trapped them and brought them together. Profiling is almost completed. We are still profiling them. Those found with incriminating materials will surely be prosecuted.”

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The Amotekun Commander explained that the arrests were part of the agency’s ember-month security operations, which involved officers deployed on four major operations across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, which ultimately yielded over 100 arrests

“As we round up the ember-month patrol, which ends tomorrow, we have arrested about 100 suspects, out of which 61 are on parade today,” he stated.

He said a breakdown of the offences showed that: 50 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, 2 suspects for anti-open grazing violations, 6 suspects for kidnapping-related offences, and 3 suspects for rape and gender-based violence.

Adeleye added that although the ember-month patrol would end shortly, security operations would not relent. “Operation Le Won Jade Phase Two will commence from January 1, while our 24/7 patrol continues, just as the Amotekun Rangers domiciled in the forests will remain active.”

Adeleye said two suspects, Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) were arrested for kidnapping around the Ofosu, Odigbo axis, while three others Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23) were apprehended in Isua Akoko.

On rape and assault on Amotekun officers, he disclosed that Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33) and Bejide (41) were arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure. “In addition, Amotekun operatives arrested Ola Tunbosun (30), alongside Ibrahim and Shahidu, for armed robbery across Akure North, Oba Akoko and Oba-Ile.”

The Amotekun boss also revealed that the agency recently smashed a robbery gang that had been terrorising residents of Akure and other parts of the state. “The robbery took place in the heart of Akure. They stole a car on display and dispossessed residents of their valuables.

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According to him, the suspects used unpainted taxis without clear registration numbers to lure passengers before threatening them with guns and robbing them. “We were able to arrest three suspects and the taxi. I appeal to members of the public to be wary of taxis without readable registration numbers,” he cautioned.

Responding to questions on security reinforcement following the military strikes in the North, Adeleye confirmed that inter-state collaboration among the Southwest Amotekun corps had significantly improved border security.

“The synergy between the border patrols of Ondo/Ekiti, Ondo/Osun and Ondo/Ogun has been yielding tremendous results,” he said. In fact, some suspects not paraded today were arrested in Ogun State and brought back to Ondo.”

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Crime

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

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The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

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“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

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Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

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Crime

Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.

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