January 23, 2026 | News
The Ekiti State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 16 suspected bandits from Kwara State who were allegedly attempting to relocate into Ekiti to evade intensified security operations.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Amotekun Corps in Oye Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence that raised alarm among residents.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Information of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adeleye, the suspects were spotted in large numbers with herds of cattle around the Gede Farm settlement in Isan-Ekiti.
Community members, disturbed by the unusual movement and suspicious presence of the group, immediately alerted Amotekun operatives in the area. This prompted the swift deployment of reinforcements from other Amotekun outposts within Oye Local Government to prevent any possible security breach.
The statement noted that the coordinated operation led to the arrest of all 16 suspects without resistance.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to fleeing Kwara State after sustained crackdowns on banditry by security agencies. They also admitted involvement in cattle rustling, particularly targeting livestock belonging to residents of Kwara State.
Items recovered from the suspects include an undisclosed sum of cash, seven Tecno mobile phones, various charms suspected to be used for criminal activities, three Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) identity cards, and several herds of cattle.
Amotekun further disclosed that intelligence gathered so far suggests the suspects were attempting to establish a new operational base in Ekiti State after coming under pressure in Kwara.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado-Ekiti for further investigation and possible prosecution.
