Osun State Amotekun operatives have arrested two members of a highway robbery gang terrorizing motorists along the busy Ilesa-Ibadan corridor
The Western Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has once again demonstrated its effectiveness in combating crime across the Southwest region. In a successful late-night operation, operatives from the Osun State command apprehended two suspected highway robbers who had been terrorizing motorists along the Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway.
The suspects, Chimar Eze (29) and Sunday Okori (41), both hailing from Ebonyi State but residing in Mowe, Ogun State, were caught in the act around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026. According to reports, they were attempting to rob a commercial vehicle transporting goods from Ibadan when fortune smiled on the intended victim.
How the Arrest Happened
Speaking on the incident, Yusuf Idowu Abass, the Public Relations Officer of Osun Amotekun Corps, explained that the suspects, alongside two other gang members, had carefully laid an ambush along the highway. Their plan was to intercept and rob the commercial vehicle, but things didn’t go as planned.
The alert driver, sensing danger, managed to escape from the trap and quickly raised alarm with nearby Amotekun operatives who were on routine night patrol. The security personnel swung into action immediately, rushing to the scene.
Upon sighting the approaching Amotekun team, the robbers scattered into the surrounding bush. After a brief but determined pursuit through the darkness, two suspects were successfully apprehended while their accomplices escaped into the night.
Confessions of Failed Businessmen Turned Criminals
During interrogation, the arrested suspects made startling revelations about their criminal enterprise. They confessed to being part of a four-man robbery syndicate that had been operating along major highways since early 2025, specifically targeting unsuspecting motorists and commercial vehicle drivers.
The suspects painted a familiar picture of economic hardship leading to crime. According to them, they had previously engaged in street hawking in Lagos, but when the business failed to provide sufficient income, one of their associates—currently on the run—introduced them to highway robbery as a “better alternative.”
Their modus operandi was simple but effective: stolen items from their victims were transported to Lagos where they had ready buyers waiting to purchase the loot.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Following their arrest, the suspects led Amotekun operatives to their hideout—an uncompleted building hidden inside a forest along the expressway. The location served as both a base of operations and storage facility for their ill-gotten gains.
Items recovered from the hideout included:
– Cartons of solar lights
– Various baby clothes
– Two tape measures
– A touch light
– Two long wooden sticks (believed to have been used as weapons during their operations)
These items are suspected to have been stolen from different victims over the course of their criminal activities.
Amotekun Boss Commends Officers
Reacting to the successful operation, the Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun Corps, High Chief Dr. Adekunle Omoyele, praised the Ilesa Area Command operatives for their swift response and professional handling of the situation.
He specifically commended the team led by Area Commander Ilori John, noting that the arrested suspects are believed to be responsible for several robbery incidents that had been reported along the Ilesa–Ibadan Expressway in recent months.
Dr. Omoyele assured residents of Osun State that the suspects would face the full weight of the law once investigations are concluded. He also revealed that efforts are currently underway to track down the two gang members who escaped arrest.
Call for Public Vigilance
The Amotekun boss used the opportunity to urge residents of Osun State to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activities to appropriate security agencies without delay. He emphasized that collaboration between security agencies and the public remains crucial in the fight against crime.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Bigger Picture
This arrest highlights the growing challenge of highway robberies across Nigeria, particularly along major expressways. Economic hardship has pushed many Nigerians into crime, with highway robbery becoming increasingly common due to its perceived profitability.
However, the success of security agencies like Amotekun in apprehending these criminals sends a strong message that crime doesn’t pay. As investigations continue, residents of Osun State and travelers along the Ilesa-Ibadan Expressway can breathe a little easier knowing that two dangerous criminals are off the streets.
The case also underscores the importance of night patrols by security agencies and the need for motorists to remain vigilant, especially when traveling at odd hours.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and always report suspicious activities to security agencies in your area.
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