Amotekun Deports 114 Northerners from Ondo for Illegal Forest Encroachment

• The Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, expelled 114 individuals for illegally entering forests, recovering weapons and preventing potential criminal activities

• State Commander Adetunji Adeleye emphasized the importance of legitimate reasons for being in the forests, following recent security operations

The Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun, has expelled 114 individuals, mostly from northern Nigeria, for allegedly illegally entering the state’s forests.

State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the operation on Sunday, stating that the individuals were intercepted while transported in two trucks. They were reportedly destined for various forest regions in the state, including Ore and Ofosu.

Adeleye explained that security agencies had intensified operations over recent weeks to prevent unauthorized entry into Ondo’s forests. According to him, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had issued a directive to remove all individuals who lacked valid reasons for residing in remote forest areas.

“These individuals have been sent back to their places of origin,” Adeleye said.

He further revealed that weapons, including locally made firearms, were recovered from the group. He alleged that the individuals used these weapons for criminal activities, operating from the forests to launch attacks before retreating.

“The over 100 individuals were crammed into two trucks, intending to be spread across the state’s forest belt, from Ore to Ofosu and beyond. During profiling, we discovered that except for three of them, none could specify their exact destination. They were simply dropped off and instructed to await further orders from their handlers,” Adeleye stated.

While acknowledging the constitutional right to freedom of movement, the commander emphasized that such movement must serve a legitimate purpose. He reiterated that the governor had authorized their deportation to their home states.

During the press briefing, Adeleye displayed some of the locally crafted weapons seized from the individuals.

In response, Bala Umaru, the leader of the Hausa community in Ondo, thanked the state government for prioritizing residents’ safety while ensuring the individuals’ peaceful return to their home states.

The deported individuals have since been transported back to various locations across the country.