Operation Amotekun (Leopard) is a pioneering new joint task force that launched in January and now operates throughout six southwestern Nigerian states. These well-equipped forces are intended to support to local police and traditional rulers in combatting regular terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the country’s southern states.

They’re also focused on shutting down illegal mining operations, particularly those owned by Chinese nationals. In just a few months they’ve been remarkably successful, arresting dozens of Chinese mine workers in multiple raids.