Operatives of the Ekiti State Security Network, popularly called Amotekun Corps, have apprehended five suspected fleeing bandits in Okemesi-Ekiti, located in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested shortly after arriving in the community in a vehicle, following intelligence supplied by residents who raised the alarm over their movements.
The Corps’ Communications Officer, Abiodun Adeleye, disclosed that swift action based on credible information from members of the public led to the arrest.
He explained that a preliminary search conducted on the suspects resulted in the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms, an axe, a dagger, two dogs, five mobile phones and assorted charms believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Those arrested were identified as Abdulahi, 28; Ibrahim, 25; Adamu, 25; Umar, 31; and Yahaya, 28.
According to Adeleye, the suspects claimed to be farmers from Jigawa State and Kaduna State but could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding their mission in Ekiti.
He said their alleged leader, Suleiman, maintained during interrogation that they were in the state for farming purposes, a claim security operatives found unconvincing due to the items recovered from them.
The Amotekun spokesperson added that the suspects and the exhibits had been transferred to the police in Ekiti West for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He reaffirmed the resolve of the corps, under the leadership of retired Brigadier General Olu Adewa, to sustain its clampdown on criminal elements and safeguard lives and property across the state.
Adeleye also urged residents in the 16 local government areas of Ekiti to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts at tackling insecurity.