Operatives of the Ekiti State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested five suspected fleeing bandits in the state.

The suspects were apprehended in Okemesi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, on Wednesday shortly after alighting from a vehicle that conveyed them to the community.

The Communications Officer of Ekiti Amotekun, Abiodun Adeleye, told the Nigerian Tribune on Thursday that the arrest followed a credible tip-off from vigilant residents of the area.

He noted that the swift response of operatives led to the successful interception of the suspects.

According to him, preliminary profiling of the suspects led to the recovery of incriminating items, including two locally made guns, one axe, one dagger, two dogs, five mobile phones, and assorted charms.

Adeleye identified the suspects as Abdulahi, 28; Ibrahim, 25; Adamu, 25; Umar, 31; and Yahaya, 28.

The Amotekun spokesman stated that the suspects claimed to be farmers from Jigawa and Kaduna states but failed to provide convincing explanations regarding their presence and mission in Ekiti State.

“Upon interrogation by the arresting officers in the town, their leader, Suleiman, alongside the others, claimed to be farmers from Kaduna and Jigawa states. However, they could not provide any concrete evidence to substantiate their claims,” Adeleye said.

He added that the suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, had been handed over to the Ekiti West Police Command for further investigation and necessary action.

Adeleye reiterated thecommitment of the corps, under the leadership of Commandant Brig. Gen. Olu Adewa (retd.), to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the security of lives and property.

He also appealed to residents across the 16 local government areas of the state to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious individuals and activities within their communities to enable prompt intervention.

(Nigerian Tribune)