### US Airstrikes Prompt Arrests of 39 Suspected Terrorists in Ondo State In the aftermath of recent airstrikes conducted by the United States military targeting suspected terrorists in Sokoto State, Nigeria, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun, has apprehended 39 individuals believed to be fleeing from these operations. The airstrikes, which occurred on Christmas Day, aimed to dismantle terrorist hideouts in the region, leading to a significant movement of suspected insurgents towards the south. The arrested individuals were found hiding in the Elegbeka Forest in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, where they reportedly sought refuge from the military pressure in the north [https://www.browngh.com/us-strikes-ondo-amotekun-arrests-39-fleeing-suspected-terrorists, https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/30/amotekun-arrests-39-suspects-fleeing-us-airstrikes]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Response 1. **Background of the Airstrikes**: - The US military conducted airstrikes in Sokoto State targeting terrorist hideouts on December 25, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in Nigeria [https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1690329-us-airstrike-amotekun-arrests-39-suspect-fleeing-sokoto-south-west-forest]. 2. **Amotekun's Response**: - Following the airstrikes, the Amotekun Corps launched a security operation in Ondo State, leading to the arrest of 39 suspects who had fled from Sokoto [https://thesun.ng/ondo-amotekun-arrests-39-suspected-terrorists-fleeing-sokoto]. - The arrests were made in the Elegbeka Forest, where the suspects were hiding [https://blueprint.ng/us-airstrikes-ondo-amotekun-arrests-39-suspected-terrorists-fleeing-sokoto]. 3. **Details of the Arrests**: - The Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed that the suspects were found with two 18-passenger buses, indicating a planned relocation [https://premiumnewsng.com/2025/12/30/ondo-amotekun-arrests-39-fleeing-suspected-terrorists]. - The suspects claimed they fled due to the military pressure from the airstrikes [https://infotrustng.com/fleeing-suspected-terrorists]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Arrests Summary**: - **Total Arrested**: 39 suspected terrorists - **Location of Arrest**: Elegbeka Forest, Ose Local Government Area, Ondo State - **Reason for Flight**: Fleeing from US airstrikes in Sokoto State - **Operational Context**: - The operation is part of a broader security sweep in Ondo State, which has seen increased activity against suspected insurgents following the US military's intervention [https://thewhistler.ng/amotekun-arrests-39-suspected-terrorists-in-ondo-forest]. ### Conclusion and Implications The recent arrests by the Amotekun Corps highlight the ongoing challenges of insurgency in Nigeria, particularly in the wake of international military interventions. The apprehension of 39 suspected terrorists fleeing from Sokoto underscores the ripple effects of the US airstrikes and the proactive measures taken by local security forces in Ondo State. 1. **Key Findings**: - The US airstrikes have led to a significant movement of suspected terrorists towards southern Nigeria. - Local security agencies like Amotekun are actively responding to the threats posed by these fleeing individuals. 2. **Future Considerations**: - Continued monitoring and security operations will be essential to prevent the establishment of terrorist cells in southern Nigeria. - Collaboration between local and international forces may be necessary to address the root causes of insurgency effectively [https://naijaonpoint.com.ng/us-airstrikes-ondo-amotekun-arrests-39-suspects-hiding-in-ondo-forest-after-fleeing-sokoto].