The Kwara State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists and recovered firearms and other dangerous weapons during coordinated security operations across Ilorin metropolis.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, working with other tactical teams, carried out a targeted raid on a suspected cult hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin following credible intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects identified as Ismail Sodiq, 35; Ibrahim Saheed, 26; Feyikemi Odoje, 28; Ishola Faisat, 23; Abubakar Zainab, 22; Azeez Olarenwaju, 27; Soliu Ibrahim, 22; and Abdulbasit Abdulkadir, 24.
Police said a cache of weapons and other incriminating items was recovered during the raid, including two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.
The Command noted that the arrests and recoveries demonstrate its determination to prevent criminal groups from operating in the state and to strengthen ongoing efforts against cultism and other violent crimes.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect, identify other members of the alleged criminal network, and apprehend fleeing accomplices.
The police said those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, attributed the success of the operation to the intelligence-led policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other violent crimes through proactive policing and cooperation with the public.
