Michael Ofulue ,Osogbo

The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate responsible for the theft of iron steel valued at over N4.5 million from a steel company in Ede, as well as a string of burglaries and property theft cases across the state.

The suspects, Wilson Titus, 26; and Gabriel Simon, 23; both from Kaduna State, and Ogundele Sunday 32; from Ekiti State—were arrested by Amotekun operatives after conspiring to steal substantial quantities of iron steel from their place of employment, a steel manufacturing firm in Ede.

Investigations revealed that the trio, either employed or closely associated with the company, had been systematically pilfering iron materials and selling them to a scrap dealer in the Sabo area of Ede for as little as N3,000 to N7,000 which is mere fractions of the actual market value

Under interrogation, Wilson confessed that this was not their first offense, admitting the group had been carrying out the thefts over an extended period.

Their latest operation was foiled during a targeted surveillance mission by Amotekun. The total estimated value of the stolen materials is over N4.5 million

In separate operations, Amotekun operatives arrested Ogunbunmi Yemi , 38; from Ila-Orangun for breaking into a residential property and stealing household items, including a television set, generator, and iron steel. He claimed the thefts were motivated by financial hardship.

Similarly, Gbadegesin Ibrahim (28) o Osogbo was apprehended in connection with iron steel theft in Eleweran, Ile-Ife, and the theft of an Itel mobile phone at Toll Gate, Ile-Ife. His arrest followed a citizen’s complaint and subsequent tracing by the Amotekun team.

In another incident, Biodun Akinwale (32), also from Osogbo, was caught in the act while dismantling aluminium fittings from a newly constructed building in the Ede North Local Government area.

He had forcibly broken the windows and fittings but was spotted by a vigilant resident who quickly notified authorities.

Commending the Corps for their successful operations, Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, Chief . Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, praised the Intelligence Unit for its crucial role in the surveillance that led to the steel theft bust in Ede.

“Our operatives acted swiftly after receiving reports of ongoing theft at the company. With effective surveillance, the suspects were caught in the act. They have since confessed to selling the stolen steel for as low as N3,000, while the estimated total value surpasses N4.5 million,” said Dr. Omoyele.

He affirmed that all suspects will be prosecuted in line with the law, stressing that justice will be served to deter similar crimes.

Omoyele also called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to Amotekun or other law enforcement bodies, emphasising that community cooperation is key to achieving lasting security.