The Kwara State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists and recovered a cache of weapons during coordinated operations across parts of the Ilorin metropolis, following intelligence on cult-related activities threatening public peace .
The suspects include both male and female individuals aged between 22 and 35 years: Ismail Sodiq, 35; Ibrahim Saheed, 26; Feyikemi Odoje, 28; Ishola Faisat, 23; Abubakar Zainab, 22; Azeez Olanrewaju, 27; Soliu Ibrahim, 22; and Abdulbasit Abdulkadir, 24 .
Operation Details
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, alongside other tactical teams, conducted a targeted raid at a suspected cultist hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin . The operation was based on credible intelligence regarding cult-related activities in the area .
Weapons Recovered
The police recovered several dangerous weapons during the operation, including:
· Two locally made pistols
· One pump-action shotgun
· Two cut-to-size shotguns
· 25 expended cartridges
· Other dangerous weapons capable of facilitating violent crimes
Investigation and Prosecution
The command stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the extent of each suspect's involvement and identify other members of the criminal network . Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, with authorities working to apprehend fleeing accomplices .
Police Commitment
Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo attributed the operational success to the intelligence-led policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu . He reaffirmed the command's commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes through proactive policing and public collaboration .
The arrests and recoveries underscore the Command's determination to deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate while strengthening ongoing efforts to rid the state of cultism and other forms of violent criminality .
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