The Ekiti State Security Network Agency, codenamed the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 16 suspected bandits over alleged criminal activities in Oye Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by operatives of the Oye Local Government Command of the Amotekun Corps at Gede Farm settlement in Isan-Ekiti, following intelligence reports from residents.
According to gathered information, the presence of a large number of herdsmen and cattle around the farming settlement had caused panic in the community, prompting an indigene to alert Amotekun operatives.
The local outpost was immediately reinforced by officers from the Oye Command, leading to a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrests.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly disclosed that they had migrated from Kwara State to Ekiti without formal clearance or identification.
They were also alleged to be involved in cattle rustling, particularly targeting livestock owned by some Kwara indigenes in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation included N551,500 in cash, seven Tecno mobile phones, various charms, packets of cigarettes, tramadol tablets, three VGN identification cards, and a herd of cattle.
Confirming the development in a statement, the Director of Information of the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps, Abiodun Adeleye, described the operation as another major breakthrough in the corps’ efforts to secure lives and property across the state.
“This arrest 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 necessary steps were immediately taken to ensure a proper investigation,” he said.
He added that the suspects had been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado-Ekiti for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Adeleye reiterated the commitment of the Amotekun Corps to maintaining peace and security in Ekiti State, urging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“We assure the people of Ekiti that Amotekun remains vigilant and resolute in flushing out criminal elements from every part of the state. Security is a collective responsibility, and community support remains crucial to our success,” he added.
Residents of Isan-Ekiti and neighbouring communities reportedly expressed relief following the arrest, as fears had been mounting over the safety of farmers and farmlands in the area.
