Amotekun operatives in Ondo State have arrested 22 illegal immigrants and six facilitators in Odigbo.
Commander Adetunji Adeleye said the suspects will be handed over to immigration authorities for investigation.
Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested 22 illegal immigrants in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were reportedly brought into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin and Togo without any clear purpose or documentation.
Alongside the immigrants, six individuals were also arrested for allegedly facilitating their illegal entry into the country. Addressing journalists at the Corps headquarters in Akure on Wednesday, November 5, the Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the arrest followed credible intelligence.
Adeleye explained that during interrogation, the immigrants could not explain why or how they were brought into Nigeria. “We have on parade 22 illegal immigrants who could not tell us how they entered the country or their purpose of visit. We also arrested six people Mustafa, Steve, Alfosus, Tango Juntu, and Simon who brought them in for unclear reasons,” he said.
The Amotekun boss added that the suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation. “Once it is confirmed that their stay is illegal or unhealthy, they will be deported,” he stated.
In a separate operation, five people were paraded for allegedly vandalizing and selling government-owned heavy-duty machines and spare parts. Adeleye said the suspects, identified as Mwazu, Sani, Mosund, James, and Sehidu, were caught after Amotekun operatives tracked them to a forest where they had been dismantling state-owned equipment.
According to him, the suspects opened fire on operatives but were subdued and arrested. “They used tricycles and taxis to transport stolen items such as caterpillar engines, tires, and gas equipment. Some of their buyers have been apprehended, while two others are still on the run,” he added.
Adeleye assured residents that Ondo State remains safe, stressing that the Corps will continue to work with other security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements. “Ondo State is safe for law-abiding citizens but unsafe for criminals. Head or tail, Amotekun will catch you,” he warned.
