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Tag: Amotekun

  • Insecurity: Afenifere asks Tinubu to fast-track state police, strengthen Amotekun in south-west

    Insecurity: Afenifere asks Tinubu to fast-track state police, strengthen Amotekun in south-west

    Leaders of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently expedite action on the creation of state police as part of measures to address the worsening security challenges confronting the South-West region and the country at large.

    Recall that President Tinubu had last year, while meeting with a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, at his Lagos residence, said his administration was committed to establishing state and community police to change the country’s security narratives.

    He explained that the community and state police will be a “reality once the National Assembly completes the required legislative inputs,” saying his government was not relenting in its efforts to return the nation to peace and prosperity.

    However, Afenifere also urged governors in the South-West to strengthen and adequately empower the regional security outfit, Amotekun Corps, to enable it to tackle the persistent cases of kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities ravaging the region.

    The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Thursday at the end of Afenifere’s caucus meeting held at the Akure residence of its National Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti.

    The communiqué, signed and issued by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Jare Ajayi, expressed serious concern over what the group described as the alarming rise in insecurity, noting that incidents of banditry and kidnapping have now become almost a daily occurrence in parts of the South-West.

    According to the organisation, the pattern of attacks across the region suggested a deliberate sabotage aimed at eroding public confidence in the government, stressing that the situation was no longer acceptable.

    “As the saying goes, it’s when one is alive and in good health that one can think of becoming anything. As such, the situation of insecurity in our land leaves a lot to be desired. Afenifere has repeatedly called attention to this menace. We were not just calling attention to the menace; we always provided ideas on the way out.

    “In this way, we call on State Governors in the Southwest to empower the security outfit Amotekun. We also appeal to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the state governments to expedite action on the much vaunted State Police.

    “Afenifere called on governors of the Southwest to do more in strengthening Amotekun with a view to curtailing insecurity in the region,” it read.

    The meeting also sympathised with the Oluabo of Ilu-Abo, HRM Oba Olu Falae, the people of Ilu-Abo, and the Ondo state government over the terror attack that occurred in the community last Sunday.

    The group expressed deep concern over increasing acts of terrorism reported in various parts of Yorubaland and called for immediate and decisive action to halt the disturbing trend.

    Afenifere also called on governments at all levels, security agencies, and community leaders to urgently rise to the challenge by adopting practical and sustainable solutions to the menace of insecurity.

    It also urged governors in the Southwest region to initiate a regional rail line project linking the state capitals of Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States.

    Afenifere added that the rail project, alongside enhanced security collaboration, could be extended to Kwara, Kogi, Edo, and Delta States in alignment with the governments of those states.

    On the newly introduced tax regime, which has been in place since January 2026, Afenifere said it has carefully reviewed the provisions of the tax laws as announced by the federal government led by President Tinubu.

    Read Also: Embrace Akintola’s legacy of courage, unity, politics of cooperation, Tinubu urges Nigerians

    While acknowledging that the intention of the reforms was to reduce the financial burden on low-income earners, the group warned that the current structure could still negatively affect common Nigerians.

    It, therefore, appealed for the N800,000 income threshold to be reviewed upward to allow more low-income earners benefit from the policy.

    Afenifere also commended the federal government for the construction and reconstruction of major roads across the country.

    However, it appealed to the government to prevail on contractors handling the projects to expedite work and ensure quality delivery within stipulated timelines.

    Specifically, the group called for speedy completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway; Ibadan-Ilorin-Mokwa Road; Abeokuta-Sagamu Road; Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road; Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo-Ikirun-Offa-Ilorin Road; and the Akure-Oore-Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Akinfosile-Igbotako Road.

    Afenifere further appreciated the federal government for commencing the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Ife-Akure Road, expressing optimism that the project would be completed within the shortest possible time.

    Prominent personalities at the caucus meeting included Chief Femi Aluko, Hon. Korede Duyile, Agbaakin Ademola Folarin, Abagun Kole Omololu, Hon. Lekan Alabi, Chief Deji Wellington, Dr. Niyi Osoba, and High Chief Ayo Abereoran.

    Others are: Chief (Mrs) Grace Animola, Rt. Hon. Bakita Bello, Ambassador Samson Obanibi, Engr. Lai Gboluaje, Alhaji Abdullah Kasali, and Chief Kehinde Oladeinde.

  • Amotekun denies accidental discharge, gunshot injuries at Owo training ground

    Amotekun denies accidental discharge, gunshot injuries at Owo training ground

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has denied reports alleging that an accidental discharge involving its State Commander at a training ground in Owo led to gunshot injuries to five personnel.

    Reports circulating on social media had claimed that an incident occurred on Monday at the Amotekun New Recruitment Training Ground in Owo, where an alleged accidental discharge reportedly left four serving officers and one newly recruited personnel seriously injured.

    The reports further alleged that the incident was caused by an accidental discharge from the firearm of the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye.

    However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the Corps described the report as false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of facts.

    In the statement, signed by the Amotekun state spokesperson of the Corps, Mr Jimoh Adeniken, said that at no time did the state commander accidentally or otherwise discharge a firearm, nor was he involved in any incident that resulted in gunshot injuries.

    Adeniken also explained that on January 26, 2026, the Amotekun Corps only conducted a routine range classification exercise as part of the ongoing training programme for newly recruited personnel at the Amotekun New Recruitment Training Ground in Owo.

    Read Also: Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    According to him, the exercise was successfully concluded without any casualties.

    “At no time did the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, discharge a firearm accidentally or otherwise, nor was he involved in any incident leading to gunshot injuries.

    “On January 26, 2026, the Corps conducted a routine range classification exercise as part of the ongoing training for newly recruited personnel, which was successfully concluded without any casualties.

    “The false narrative being circulated is deliberately sensationalised and intended to undermine the image of the Corps and the security architecture of the state,” the statement read.

    The Amotekun Corps, however, reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its duties, assuring residents of the state of the safety of its personnel and the general public.

  • Amotekun arrests three suspected herdsmen for alleged plot to kill employer in Ondo

    Amotekun arrests three suspected herdsmen for alleged plot to kill employer in Ondo

    …debunks influx of bandits in Akure

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested three suspected herdsmen for allegedly attempting to kill their employer after slaughtering 10 of his cows in Idoani, Ose Local Government Area.

    The suspects — identified as Ibrahim (40), Yunusa (30), and Abdukadri (25) — were apprehended following a report lodged with the security outfit.

    Parading the suspects over the weekend alongside others arrested statewide, Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that 32 individuals were taken into custody for various offences.

    He said the arrests stemmed from intensified intelligence-led operations, particularly in response to the increasing influx of young, unemployed men from the northern part of the country into Ondo State.

    Adeleye explained that among the 32 suspects, 12 were picked up for disturbances, three for violating the anti-grazing law, and 17 in connection with kidnap-related activities. He said the trio from Idoani are accused of plotting to kill their ‘Fulani boss’ after roasting 10 of his cows.

    He also raised concern over rising banditry in the Akoko axis, noting that two suspects — Pius (23) and John (35) — were arrested while allegedly attempting to collect ransom from the family of a kidnapped victim. Other accomplices remain at large.

    Adeleye further dismissed a viral social media report claiming that bandits had invaded Akure, describing it as misinformation.

    “Bandits did not enter Akure. What actually happened was that 42 people were discovered hiding inside a bitumen truck loaded with bitumen. Investigation and profiling of these individuals have commenced

    “We are working with other security agencies to ensure that those without genuine reasons for coming into the state are returned to their states of origin,” he said.

    Adeleye further disclosed that four suspects – Elura, Alilu, Adamu, and Kamal, aged between 24 and 29 — were arrested around Ile-Oluji and Ondo town for alleged involvement in criminal activities.

    He added that in the Akin Camp and Odigbo axis, Mohamed Abubakar, Abdulahi, Yakubu (aged between 22 and 35) and Abba Aliu (29) were arrested, noting that one of them had previously escaped from lawful custody after being arrested for a kidnap-related offence but was later re-arrested.

    “The victims involved in the kidnapping incident were successfully rescued,” he said.

    The Amotekun Commander added that three suspects were arrested in the Agbogbo area of Akure for possession of items they could not reasonably explain, while four others were apprehended at a nearby garage for conspiracy, assault, and breach of public peace.

    He said Abdulahi, Kada, and Useni were also arrested for conspiracy, stealing, and anti-grazing-related offences in the Elegbeka Reserve Forest and Ifon, while one Friday (43) was arrested for breaking and stealing.

    According to Adeleye, Yayah Abba was arrested for allegedly stealing motorcycles and water pumps in collaboration with Masadi and Abubakar.

    He, however, reassured residents that the state remains peaceful, stressing that sustained security operations have continued to reduce criminal activities.

  • Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has arrested a coal-laden truck conveying 38 passengers into Akure, the state capital.

    The passengers were arrested at Cathedral, during a routine security operation.

    The suspects, mostly youths aged between 20 and 27, were conveyed in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number GML 335 XR Jigawa.

    The Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects could not explain their destination after a series of interrogations.

    Adeleye said the suspects were being profiled to ascertain their identities and mission in the state.

    “We are profiling all of them thoroughly. Anyone found culpable after investigations will face the full weight of the law, while those cleared will be returned to their states of origin,” he said.

    He added that the area where the driver claimed to have picked up the passengers was considered prone to extremist activities.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    But, sources said the suspects claimed they were unaware they had entered Ondo State when they were intercepted.

    The source added that the suspects told operatives they were on their way to meet their relatives in Ondo State but failed to provide verifiable addresses or contact details.

    One of the passengers was reportedly found in possession of a uniform bearing the inscription “Commander,” alongside some charms.

    He allegedly claimed to be a hunter but could not explain his destination after leaving Gombe State.

    The 20-year-old driver of the truck and his 19-year-old conductor told Amotekun operatives that they picked up the passengers along the route and had no prior relationship with them.

  • Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck, arrests 38 northern passengers in Ondo

    Amotekun intercepts coal-laden truck, arrests 38 northern passengers in Ondo

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, has intercepted a coal-laden truck conveying 38 passengers into Akure, the state capital.

    The passengers were arrested at the Cathedral area of Akure metropolis in Akure South Local Government Area during a routine security operation.

    The suspects, mostly youths aged between 20 and 27, were conveyed in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number GML 335 XR Jigawa.

    Confirming the arrest on Monday, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects could not satisfactorily explain their destination after a series of interrogations.

    Adeleye said the suspects were currently being profiled to ascertain their identities and mission in the state.

    “We are profiling all of them thoroughly. Anyone found culpable after investigations will face the full weight of the law, while those cleared will be returned to their states of origin,” he said.

    He added that the area where the driver claimed to have picked up the passengers was considered prone to extremist activities.

    Meanwhile, security sources said the suspects claimed they were unaware they had already entered Ondo State when they were intercepted.

    The source added that the suspects told operatives they were on their way to meet their relatives in Ondo State but failed to provide verifiable addresses or contact details.

    One of the passengers was reportedly found in possession of a uniform bearing the inscription “Commander,” alongside some charms.

    He allegedly claimed to be a hunter but could not clearly explain his destination after leaving Gombe State.

    The 20-year-old driver of the truck and his 19-year-old conductor told Amotekun operatives that they picked up the passengers along the route and had no prior relationship with them.

  • Amotekun apprehends three suspected goat thieves in Osun

    Amotekun apprehends three suspected goat thieves in Osun

    Osun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, on Friday says it arrested three persons for allegedly stealing goats in Ile-Orangun Town, Ila-Orangun Local Government Area of Osun.

    Its Commander, Adekunle Omoyele, in a statement said two of the suspects are from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State, while the third suspect is a resident of Ile-Orangun.

    He said findings also revealed that the suspects had stolen 97 goats in Ila-Orangun Town.

    “The arrest of the suspects followed a complaint lodged by residents of Ila-Orangun over the persistent disappearance of goats in the community.

    “After the report was made, Amotekun operatives apprehended the suspects, after diligent surveillance.

    “The suspects were caught in the act when they returned to the town on Wednesday night, Dec. 31, to steal more goats,” he said.

    He disclosed that the suspects confessed to stealing goats eight times in the town, and sold them to their Ado-Ekiti-based leader for ₦20,000 each.

    Omoyele urged residents of Osun to continue to cooperate with the Amotekun Corps by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activities or security threats in their communities.

    He assured residents of the corps’ unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, stressing that there will be no hiding place for criminals in Osun.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Ondo Amotekun nabs 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto after U.S. airstrikes

    JUST IN: Ondo Amotekun nabs 39 suspected terrorists fleeing Sokoto after U.S. airstrikes

    The operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, have arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the “powerful and deadly” United States airstrikes targeting militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in north-western Nigeria.

    The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while parading a total of 61 suspects apprehended across various parts of the state during the ongoing Ember Month Patrol.

    According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed during interrogation that they escaped from Sokoto State and moved towards the South-West in the aftermath of the airstrikes.

    “These 39 suspects themselves claimed they fled from the Sokoto area,” he told journalists.

    He said the suspects, aged between 18 and 45, are currently undergoing profiling, adding that those found in possession of incriminating materials would be prosecuted accordingly.

    Mr Adeleye further revealed that the Amotekun corps has intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly along border communities linking Ondo State with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, and Kwara states.

    Giving a breakdown of the arrests, the Amotekun commander said that out of the 61 suspects paraded, 50 were arrested for various breaches of law and order, two for offences related to anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related crimes, while three were arrested for gender-based violence and rape.

    He explained that the Ember Month Patrol would officially end on Tuesday, but assured residents that security operations would not be relaxed, as Operation Le Jade Phase Two is scheduled to commence on January 1.

    Adeleye added that the Amotekun Corps has also increased its 24-hour surveillance across the state, with the deployment of Amotekun Rangers to forest reserves.

    He attributed the numerous arrests to sustained and coordinated efforts by officers and men of the Amotekun Corps to rid the state of criminal elements.

    While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security operations, Adeleye said the state government has continued to support security agencies without hesitation.

    He also lauded the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, and members of the public for their cooperation.

    Providing details of some arrests, Adeleye said two suspects – Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) – were apprehended for kidnapping around the Ofosio area of Odigbo Local Government Area.

    “In the Isua-Akoko axis, three suspects identified as Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23) were also arrested for alleged criminal activities.

    On rape and assault cases, he disclosed that Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) were arrested in Isinkan for rape and for assaulting Amotekun officers.

    “The corps also arrested suspected armed robbers identified as Ola Tunbosun (30), Ibrahim, and Shahidu in Akure North, Oba-Akoko, and Oba-Ile.

    “The suspects were allegedly part of a robbery gang that recently stole a vehicle in Akure, with plans to transport it to Abuja for sale. The stolen vehicle, as well as a taxi reportedly used to rob unsuspecting passengers, were recovered and displayed during the parade,” he said.

    Adeleye explained that the gang’s modus operandi involved operating in densely populated areas, picking up passengers, introducing another gang member as an extra passenger, and then using a firearm to dispossess victims of their belongings before pushing them out of the vehicle.

    He advised members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly when boarding taxis without proper markings or readable registration numbers.

  • Ondo Amotekun, bandits in shootouts inside forest, rescues four victims

    Ondo Amotekun, bandits in shootouts inside forest, rescues four victims

    •Bus driver shot dead, one hospitalised

    •Security outfit joins Police, DSS, NSCDC to secure Ondo border

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce shootout inside a forest in the state, rescuing four kidnapped victims.

    Commander of the Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, broke the news yesterday while parading five suspects arrested for various criminal offences, including kidnapping and fraud, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

    Adeleye explained that the shootout followed an attack on a passenger bus by the suspected bandits, who killed the driver and abducted five passengers.

    “The local security agency was alerted by a distress call reporting heavy gunfire in a forested area. This prompted the deployment of a rapid response team to rescue the abducted passenger.

    “On entering the forest, our men came under heavy attack. At the end of the operation, we rescued four of the five kidnapped passengers, though the bus driver was shot dead when the attackers tried to stop the vehicle,” he said.

    The Amotekun boss added that the rescue operation lasted over three hours, with operatives combing the forest.

    He said among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor.

    Read Also: Ondo Amotekun tightens security in schools amid rising threats, arrest 16 suspects

    “One of the women, who had been shot by the attackers prior to Amotekun’s arrival, was stabilised at the corps’ health facility.

    “Two of the suspected kidnappers, who allegedly fired at officers and killed the bus driver, were arrested during the operation,” he further added.

    In a related development, Amotekun boss said his men also foiled the attempted abduction of a female Correctional Service Officer.

    According to him, the suspects had posed as visitors assisting inmates before attempting to kidnap her.

    “The officer escaped by raising an alarm near the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, where operatives rescued her and apprehended the suspects.”

    However, he said the fifth suspect paraded was accused of defrauding his employer of N77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.

    Commending the efforts of his men, Adeleye said the arrests resulted from multiple operations conducted over the past 48 hours under Operation Le Won Jade, supported by border patrol teams and the ongoing 24/7 ember-month security watch.

    “There is no hiding place for criminals, bandits, or kidnappers in Ondo State,” the commander reiterated.

    He added that Amotekun, in collaboration with the military, police, Department of State Service (DSS), civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters, has intensified regional security coordination.

    Adeleye, however, assured residents that major roads, communities, and public spaces across the Southwest are being reinforced to ensure a crime-free environment.

  • Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    Ondo Amotekun rescues four kidnap victims after forest shootout

    • …bus driver shot dead, one hospitalised 

    Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, engaged suspected armed bandits in a fierce gun battle inside a forest in Ondo State, successfully rescuing four kidnapped victims.

    The state Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting five suspects arrested for various crimes, including kidnapping and fraud, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure.

    Adeleye explained that the shootout occurred after the suspected bandits attacked a passenger bus, killing the driver and abducting five passengers.

    “The local security agency was alerted by a distress call reporting heavy gunfire in a forested area. This prompted the deployment of a rapid response team to rescue the abducted passenger. 

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    “On entering the forest, our men came under heavy attack. At the end of the operation, we successfully rescued four of the five kidnapped passengers, though the bus driver was shot dead when the attackers tried to stop the vehicle,” he said. 

    The Amotekun boss added that the rescue operation lasted over three hours, with operatives combing the forest.

    He revealed that among those rescued were three women and the bus conductor. 

    “One of the women, who had been shot by the attackers prior to Amotekun’s arrival, was stabilized at the corps’ health facility.

    “Two of the suspected kidnappers, who allegedly fired at officers and killed the bus driver, were arrested during the operation,” he further added. 

    In a related development, Amotekun boss said his men also foiled an attempted abduction of a female Correctional Service Officer. 

    According to him, the suspects had posed as visitors assisting inmates before attempting to kidnap her. 

    “The officer escaped by raising an alarm near the Amotekun outpost at Cathedral Junction, where operatives rescued her and apprehended the suspects.”

    However, he said the 5th suspect paraded was accused of defrauding his employer of N77.2 million, attempting to sell her property, and issuing death threats.

    Commending the efforts of his men, Adeleye said the arrests resulted from multiple operations conducted over the past 48 hours under Operation Le Won Jade, supported by border patrol teams and the ongoing 24/7 ember-month security watch.

    “There is no hiding place for criminals, bandits, or kidnappers in Ondo State,” the commander reiterated.

    He added that Amotekun, in collaboration with the military, police, DSS, civil defence, vigilantes, and local hunters, has intensified regional security coordination.

    Adeleye, however, assured residents that major roads, communities, and public spaces across the Southwest are being reinforced to ensure a crime-free environment.

  • Ondo Amotekun tightens security in schools amid rising threats, arrest 16 suspects

    Ondo Amotekun tightens security in schools amid rising threats, arrest 16 suspects

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has intensified security operations across public and private schools in the state amid heightened concerns over students’ safety.

    State Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday while parading 16 suspects arrested for various offences across the state.

    Adeleye said the security reinforcement followed intelligence reports and recent attacks on educational institutions in the parts of the country. 

    He noted that operatives have been deployed for routine patrols, surveillance, and rapid-response monitoring around schools, especially those with boarding facilities.

    “In the wake of the recent outcry over security breaches and kidnapping, the Corps has commenced full enhanced patrol of all boarding schools in the state. 

    “In the last one week, we have visited many of the schools and mounted surveillance, particularly on those located in border towns and the outskirts of major communities,” he said. 

    The arrests, according to the commander, were made through intensified patrols under Operation Le Won Jade (Operation Flush Them Out), launched last week to strengthen security across Ondo’s border corridors during the 2025 ember months.

    Adeleye explained that the operation targets kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers, and other criminal groups operating within forest reserves and boundary areas linking Ondo with Ogun, Ekiti, Kwara and Osun states.

    “Of the 34 arrests we made in the last one week, we are parading 16 today. They include 10 suspects for offences relating to breach of public order, three for kidnapping, and three for violating the anti-open grazing law,” he said.

    He added that one of the suspects, identified as Abubakar, was arrested in Ogbese, Akure North Local Government Area, for flouting the state’s anti-open grazing law, stressing that others were apprehended for alleged involvement in stealing, fraud, vandalism, and murder.

    Adeleye, however, noted a significant decline in criminal activities across the state, which he attributed to the effectiveness of “Operation Le Won Jade” and increased compliance with the anti-grazing law.

    He also commended local community heads, including Olus and Balas in forest areas, for providing timely intelligence that prevented several potential attacks.

    “I want to reassure residents that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of lives and property in Ondo State,” he said, adding that the Corps has strengthened 24/7 patrols across border towns as the ember months progress.