The Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, has raided at least 114 individuals, predominantly from northern Nigeria, following their alleged illegal entry into forest reserves across Ondo State.
The move comes amid heightened security operations targeting criminal activities linked to forest hideouts.
The State Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed on Sunday that the group, intercepted in two trucks destined for remote forest areas including Ore and Ofosu, lacked legitimate reasons for their presence.
Former and late Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had earlier ordered the evacuation of all persons unable to justify their stay in the state’s forests, citing escalating security threats.
“We recovered locally made firearms and weapons from these individuals, which they used to perpetrate crimes. Their strategy is to camp in forests, attack communities, and retreat,” Adeleye stated during a press briefing.
He emphasised that while Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of movement, it “must be for lawful purposes.”
According to Adeleye, profiling revealed that only three occupants in the trucks knew their destinations, while others claimed to be awaiting instructions from unnamed “handlers.”
The commander displayed seized weapons, including Dane guns and ammunition, as evidence of criminal intent.
The deportation follows weeks of intensified surveillance by security agencies to curb unauthorized infiltration into Ondo’s forest reserves, which have become hotspots for kidnappings and violent attacks. Adeleye reiterated the state’s commitment to enforcing the governor’s directive, stressing, “We will not allow forests to serve as havens for criminals.”
Bala Umaru, leader of Ondo’s Hausa community, applauded the government’s efforts, stating, “We prioritise peace and safety for all residents. Their return home was handled respectfully.”
The repatriated individuals were escorted to their states of origin, though specific locations remain undisclosed.
