By John Dike, Osogbo
Operatives of the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have arrested three suspected goat thieves in connection with the alleged theft of 97 goats in Ila-Orangun.
The suspects, aged between 34 and 46, were apprehended at about midnight on December 31, 2024, by operatives of the Ila-Orangun Command of the Corps.
According to Amotekun, the arrest followed repeated complaints by residents over the persistent disappearance of goats in the community. Acting on the reports, operatives placed the suspects under close surveillance.
The suspects were eventually caught in the act when they allegedly returned to the town late at night to steal more goats and were arrested on the spot.
They were reportedly found in possession of 97 stolen goats.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that the operation was not their first.
They disclosed that they had carried out similar thefts in the town on eight previous occasions.
The suspects further alleged that the stolen goats were sold to their supposed leader, based in Ado-Ekiti, at the rate of ₦20,000 per goat after each operation.
Confirming the arrest, the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Adekunle Omoyele, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the Ila-Orangun operatives, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough.
He noted that the suspects had allegedly been coming from a neighbouring state to terrorise residents through livestock theft, adding that the operation was the result of sustained surveillance triggered by community intelligence.
The Commander confirmed that all 97 goats were allegedly stolen and sold in Ado-Ekiti, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged kingpin, who is currently at large.
Omoyele urged residents of Osun State to continue to cooperate with the Amotekun Corps by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities or security threats within their communities.
He reassured the people of the state of the Corps’ unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing that there would be no hiding place for criminals, as Amotekun remains fully prepared to ensure maximum security across Osun State.
