Amotekun Deports Over 100 Northerners for Illegal Forest Encroachment in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, has deported over 100 individuals, mostly from northern Nigeria, for allegedly encroaching on the state’s forests illegally. The security outfit revealed that the individuals were being transported in two trucks and were intended for distribution across forested areas, including Ore and Ofosu.

State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, while addressing the media on Sunday, stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the infiltration of unauthorized individuals into the state’s forests. He explained that security agencies had been monitoring the situation and took action following directives from the state governor to evacuate those unable to provide legitimate reasons for their presence in the forests.

According to Adeleye, weapons, including locally made firearms, were recovered from the group. He alleged that the individuals were part of a network using the forests as a hideout for criminal activities.

“Their modus operandi involves hiding in the forests, launching attacks, and retreating into the woods. We found that, except for three of them, none knew their final destination. They were simply being moved into the forests to await further instructions from their handlers,” he said.

Adeleye emphasized that while freedom of movement is guaranteed under Nigerian law, it must serve a legitimate purpose. Following the governor’s directive, the individuals were transported back to their places of origin.

During the operation, Amotekun officials displayed some of the recovered weapons, reinforcing their claims of potential security threats posed by the individuals.

Reacting to the development, the leader of the Hausa community in Ondo State, Bala Umaru, commended the government for prioritizing public safety and ensuring the safe return of the individuals to their home states.

Authorities confirmed that the individuals have since been sent back to their respective locations across the country.