Amotekun nabs notorious gang leader in Ilesa shootout

The Osun State Amotekun Corps has captured one of the state’s most wanted criminals, Ayoola Samuel Awe, aged 42, after a prolonged gun battle in Ilesa.

Awe, widely known by his alias “Bishop Awasere,” had been on the wanted list for multiple violent crimes, including murder and kidnapping.

His arrest took place on Saturday evening in the Isokun area of Ilesa. Acting on credible intelligence, Amotekun operatives tracked him to a rendezvous point. When the gang realised they had been encircled, they opened fire, sparking a fierce confrontation.

“At about 1759hrs, our men tracked the suspect to his rendezvous point. His gang attempted to resist arrest but were overpowered through strategic decoys,” said Corps Commander Mr Isaac Omoyele in a statement issued on Sunday.

The exchange of gunfire lasted several hours before the operatives subdued the criminals. Awe and one close associate were eventually taken into custody. A cache of firearms, narcotics, and charms was recovered at the scene, all of which have been handed over as evidence for further investigation into the group’s activities.

Although some members of the gang managed to escape, Commander Omoyele assured residents that operatives remain in pursuit. “Operatives are on the trail of those who escaped, and we are determined to bring every one of them to justice,” he declared.

The Osun Amotekun Corps reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent networks and safeguarding communities across the state.