Two operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have been arrested for allegedly stealing cocoa beans in Idanre Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as Ajayi Adebusuyi (45) and Oluwadare Olubodun (42), were reportedly caught inside a cocoa farm during a routine inspection around Gbalegi Camp in Idanre.

It was gathered that the caretaker of the farm, Friday Abbah, had laid surveillance following repeated cases of cocoa theft on the farmland.

During the operation, the two officers were allegedly apprehended with cocoa pods suspected of having been stolen, which were recovered as exhibits.

A resident, who gave his name simply as Abel, said the suspects were immediately handed over to the divisional headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Idanre.

Confirming the development on Friday, the spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the arrest followed a series of complaints by the farm managers.

He added that the suspects are now in custody and that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The security operatives visited the farmland at Gbalegi Camp and were able to ascertain several empty cocoa pods on the farm. We have the two men in custody, and the case has been ordered to be transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” Ayanlade stated.

The Incident has sparked discussions among residents in Idanre, a community renowned for cocoa production, with many expressing concern over the alleged involvement of security operatives in theft activities they were meant to prevent. (The Nation)