The Ekiti State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested 16 suspected bandits who were allegedly fleeing into the state, following a security operation in Oye Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Gede Farm settlement in Isan Ekiti by operatives of the Oye Local Government Command of the corps, acting on intelligence provided by residents of the area.
Findings showed that anxiety had gripped the farming settlement after a large number of strange herdsmen and cattle were sighted around farmlands. A concerned indigene reportedly alerted the Amotekun outpost, prompting an immediate response and reinforcement from officers of the Oye Command.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of the suspects, who were later identified as bandits attempting to move through the area.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted that they migrated from Kwara State into Ekiti without formal clearance or valid identification. They were also alleged to be involved in cattle rustling, particularly stealing livestock belonging to some Kwara indigenes within the axis.
Items recovered from them included ₦551,500 in cash, seven Tecno mobile phones, various charms, packets of cigarettes, tramadol tablets, three Vigilante Group of Nigeria identity cards, as well as a herd of cattle.
Confirming the development, the Director of Information of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, Abiodun Adeleye, said the arrest was a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
“This operation was made possible through timely intelligence from members of the community and swift collaboration among our operatives. The suspects were intercepted with items that raised serious security concerns, and we immediately took steps to ensure a thorough investigation,” Adeleye said.
He added that the suspects had been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado Ekiti for further investigation and prosecution in line with the law.
Adeleye reaffirmed the commitment of the Amotekun Corps to safeguarding lives and property across Ekiti State, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
“We assure the people of Ekiti that Amotekun remains vigilant and resolute in flushing out bandits and other criminal elements from every part of the state. Security is a collective responsibility, and community cooperation remains vital,” he said.
