By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo
Operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, have foiled a midnight armed robbery along the Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway, rescuing several travellers and arresting one suspect, while others escaped into the bush.
The incident occurred around 12:20am on Thursday during a routine patrol by operatives attached to the Ilesa Area Command.
The patrol team reportedly swung into action after a motorist, Maxwell Phillips, from Benue State, who was said to have been attacked by suspected armed robbers, alerted them to criminal activity along the highway.
Acting on the information, the Amotekun operatives moved swiftly to the scene and disrupted the robbery operation. On sighting the patrol vehicle, the suspects reportedly fled into the surrounding bush.
However, one of them, Chinedu Eze, a 32-year-old from Ebonyi State, was apprehended while attempting to escape.
Items recovered from the suspect included a cutlass, a torchlight and a locally fabricated wooden gun designed to resemble an AK-47 rifle, allegedly used to intimidate and terrorise motorists plying the expressway.
During preliminary investigations, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that his accomplices fled upon noticing the presence of Amotekun operatives. Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Confirming the development, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, commended the operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and timely response in foiling the robbery attempt.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Osun State and urged residents to continue supporting Amotekun by providing credible information on suspicious movements and security threats within their communities.
“Amotekun Corps is not in rivalry with any security agency. We are only complementing their efforts, and the success of our operations depends largely on timely intelligence from the public.
“We encourage residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with Amotekun and other security agencies to keep Osun State safe,” Omoyele said