By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
A coordinated operation involving the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Ekiti State Police Command and the Ekiti State Amotekun Corps has led to the arrest of 16 suspected cattle rustlers and the recovery of 558 stolen cattle in Oye Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were intercepted around Gede Farm Settlement in Isan-Ekiti following intelligence reports that a large number of strange herders had entered the community with hundreds of cattle under suspicious circumstances.
Residents reportedly became alarmed by the sudden influx, prompting community leaders to alert local Amotekun operatives, who immediately moved to the area.
Reinforcements were subsequently deployed from nearby Amotekun outposts, while the Police Rapid Response Squad joined the operation, resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspects and seizure of the cattle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects migrated from neighbouring Kwara State after intensified security operations against banditry and cattle rustling in that state.
The suspects allegedly confessed to engaging in cattle rustling, particularly stealing livestock from local cattle owners in Kwara communities.
Recovered items include seven Tecno mobile phones, cash, assorted charms, three voter cards, and the herd of cattle.
The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.