The Ekiti State Security Network has arrested five men suspected to be fleeing bandits in Okemesi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were picked up shortly after alighting from a vehicle that brought them into the town, following a tip-off from alert residents who reported their presence to security operatives.
The Corps’ Communications Officer, Abiodun Adeleye, said the operation was carried out based on actionable intelligence provided by members of the community.
He stated that items recovered during a search included two locally made firearms, an axe, a dagger, two dogs, five mobile phones and assorted charms.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abdulahi, 28; Ibrahim, 25; Adamu, 25; Umar, 31; and Yahaya, 28.
Adeleye noted that the men claimed to be farmers from Jigawa State and Kaduna State, but failed to give satisfactory explanations for their presence in Ekiti.
He added that their alleged leader, Suleiman, insisted during questioning that they were in the state for farming activities, a claim the operatives considered doubtful in view of the materials found in their possession.
According to him, the suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the police in Ekiti West for further investigation and necessary action.
The corps reiterated its determination to rid the state of criminal elements and appealed to residents across the 16 local government areas to continue volunteering credible information to security agencies.
