39 Suspected Terrorists Fleeing Sokoto After U.S. Airstrike Arrested in Ondo

By Tgnews Reporter 

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled from Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria following precision airstrikes conducted by the United States military on Christmas Day.

The arrests highlight the potential ripple effects of the U.S. operation, which targeted camps linked to Islamic State militants in Sokoto’s forested areas.

During a parade of suspects at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the state commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the 39 individuals claimed they relocated southward due to intensified military pressure in the north.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 45 years, were apprehended in forest reserves within Ondo State, including the notorious Elegbeka axis in Ose Local Government Area, a known hotspot for criminal activities.

Adeleye noted that the group was found hibernating deep in the forests, with their vehicles parked at a distance to avoid detection.

“We are still profiling them,” Adeleye stated, adding that after thorough investigations, those without incriminating evidence might be repatriated, while any found with weapons or suspicious materials would face prosecution.

He emphasized the state government’s policy requiring permits for prolonged stays in forest areas, describing the sudden influx as raising significant security concerns.

The arrests come in the wake of U.S. airstrikes on December 25, 2025, in Sokoto State, carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the operation, describing it as targeting Islamic State militants accused of violence against Christian communities.

The U.S. Africa Command confirmed multiple militants were killed in camps, primarily associated with groups like Lakurawa, an ISIS-affiliated faction active in the northwest alongside bandit networks.

Adeleye disclosed that Amotekun had arrested a total of about 100 suspects across the state as part of its ongoing “ember months” security operations, with 61 paraded on Tuesday.

Among the others, 50 were linked to breaches of law and order, two to violations of anti-open grazing laws, six to kidnapping-related cases, and three to gender-based violence and rape.

Notable among the rape suspects were 19-year-old Daniel Ojo, 33-year-old Usman, and 41-year-old Bejide, arrested in the Isinkan area of Akure.

The commander attributed the successes to enhanced synergy among border patrols involving Ondo and neighboring states like Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun, which has facilitated cross-state apprehensions and investigations.

He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment and thanked collaborating agencies, including the police, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Civil Defence, vigilantes, and the public.

As Amotekun wraps up its ember-month patrols and prepares for the next phase of operations starting January 1, the arrests underscore growing concerns over potential displacement of northern insecurity southward.