Sixteen suspected bandits have been arrested by the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps in Oye Local Government Area, authorities say.
The suspects, believed to have travelled from neighbouring Kwara State, were detained on Wednesday following reports of unusual movements around the Gede Farm settlement in Isan-Ekiti.
In a statement, the Amotekun Corps’ Director of Information, Adeleye, said residents became alarmed after the group was seen in large numbers with cattle, prompting the deployment of additional operatives from nearby outposts.
He said the suspects were intercepted and arrested during a coordinated operation in Oye Local Government Area.
According to Amotekun officials, preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects had left Kwara State amid intensified security operations targeting banditry.
The group reportedly admitted involvement in cattle rustling activities affecting local communities in Kwara.
Security operatives said items recovered from the suspects included an undisclosed amount of cash, seven mobile phones, charms, three Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) identity cards and several herds of cattle.
The suspects have been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Ekiti State Police Command in Ado-Ekiti for further investigation.
