The Ekiti State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, Oye Local Government Command, has arrested 16 persons suspected to be bandits who allegedly attempted to enter the state from neighbouring Kwara State.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Information of the Corps, Mr Adeleye, and made available to journalists.

According to the statement, tension rose in the Gede Farm settlement, Isan-Ekiti, after residents observed a large group of unfamiliar individuals moving around the area with herds of cattle.

The unusual presence reportedly caused panic within the community and disrupted daily activities.

In response, the Oye Local Government Command alerted other nearby Amotekun units, leading to the deployment of additional operatives to the area. The reinforced team subsequently carried out a coordinated operation that resulted in the interception and arrest of the suspects.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly fled Kwara State due to increased security pressure against banditry in the area. During interrogation, they reportedly confessed to involvement in cattle rustling, with several of the recovered animals said to have been stolen from residents of Kwara State.

Items recovered from the suspects included cash, seven Tecno mobile phones, assorted charms, three identity cards belonging to the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, and a number of cows.

The Amotekun Corps said the suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado-Ekiti for further investigation and appropriate legal action.