The Southwest Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Oyo has uncovered AK-47 rifles, military paraphernalia and other items hidden in a forest in the state by suspected kidnappers.

On Monday, the commandant of the corps, Olayinka Olayanju, told journalists in Ibadan that the Amotekun operatives seized four AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 50 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Also recovered were wraps of Indian hemp, raincoats, two Nigerian Army caps and a beret.

He said the items were recovered when the operatives combed the forests following rising kidnap cases on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

“Last weekend, the efforts of our men were rewarded when the arms and ammunition were found in one of the forests following a tip-off that some gunmen sighted in the area,” said Mr Olayanju. The security network’s agents are still present in the forest to possibly apprehend the criminal elements.” 

Special adviser to the Oyo governor on security matters, Fatai Owoseni, said Governor Seyi Makinde had directed security operatives to take proactive steps to stop abductions.

Mr Owoseni said collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes assisted in recent successes recorded by Amotekun.

(NAN)