By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Amotekun Corps has arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a locally made firearm, ammunition and other weapons from them during a midnight patrol in Ilesa, Osun State.
The suspects,aged 19 and 30, were arrested at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road, Ilesa.
According to the Corps, its operatives attached to the Ilesa Area Command were conducting a routine patrol when they noticed unusual movement around the mechanic workshop.
The operatives reportedly moved towards the premises to ascertain the source of the movement and allegedly found the two suspects hiding inside a tricycle parked at the workshop.
The suspects were said to have attempted to flee after sighting the approaching security personnel but were intercepted and arrested by the Amotekun operatives.
A search conducted during the operation allegedly led to the recovery of a locally made pistol/shotgun, ammunition and other weapons.
The Corps said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal gold mining activities in Ilesa.
It added that during questioning, one of them allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity, while the other allegedly admitted to working with him.
Confirming the arrest on Saturday, the Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, said the suspects were apprehended through the vigilance of the Ilesa Area Command operatives.
Omoyele said the patrol team became suspicious after observing unusual movement around the workshop in the early hours of the day.
He said the suspects attempted to escape when they noticed the operatives but were eventually apprehended.
“Our operatives were on routine patrol at about 2:00 a.m. when they noticed some strange movement around a mechanic workshop along Adeti Road in Ilesa. They moved closer to check what was happening, and the suspects attempted to escape
“They were arrested, and during the search, a locally made gun, ammunition and other weapons were recovered from them,” he said.
The Commander said preliminary questioning of the suspects had also revealed alleged links to illegal mining and cult-related activities, adding that further investigation was ongoing to establish the full extent of their activities.
Omoyele disclosed that the suspects had been transferred to the Osun State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.
He commended the operatives for their vigilance and urged residents to remain security-conscious and provide timely information on suspicious activities in their communities.
The Amotekun commander particularly advised residents to pay attention to unusual movements and unfamiliar persons, noting that credible information from members of the public could help security agencies prevent criminal activities.
He urged anyone who notices suspicious persons, movements or activities to report promptly to the Amotekun Corps or the nearest security agency.
Omoyele reiterated the commitment of the Osun Amotekun Corps to collaborating with other security agencies to maintain peace and protect lives and property across the state.
