Osogbo, Nigeria – The Osun State Police Command has arrested three suspected cultists and political thugs in separate operations across the state, recovering a cache of firearms, ammunition, and mysterious charms.
The arrests, confirmed by the command's Public Relations Officer, SP Yemisi Opalola, represent the latest crackdown on rising cult-related violence and political thuggery ahead of local governance cycles.
Operations and Recoveries
According to police sources, the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led raids in suspected hideouts within the Osogbo and Ile-Ife axes. Operatives acting on tip-offs stormed the locations, surprising the alleged cultists during a nocturnal meeting.
Items recovered from the suspects include:
· One locally made semi-automatic pistol
· Two revolver pistols
· Six live cartridges
· Three rounds of 9mm ammunition
· Assorted charms, including leather belts embedded with incantations and calabashes containing unidentified substances
· Cutlasses and axes believed to be used for initiation rituals and territorial attacks
SP Opalola stated, "The command is determined to rid Osun of criminal elements. These suspects have been on our watchlist for their alleged involvement in cult clashes that have claimed lives in the past two months."
Political Thuggery Link
Investigators revealed that two of the three suspects are known political thugs who have served as enforcers during local government elections and communal disputes. One suspect, whose name was withheld pending court proceedings, reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye confraternity.
"He admitted to participating in multiple attacks against a rival cult group in exchange for payment from political sponsors," a police investigator told journalists on condition of anonymity. "The charms recovered were meant to fortify them against bullets and arrest."
Suspects in Custody
The three suspects, identified as Rasheed Adegoke (32), Tunde Oyewole (28), and Kehinde Olaniyi (35), are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Osogbo. Police sources indicate they will be charged with unlawful possession of firearms, membership in a secret society, and conspiracy to commit felony.
SP Opalola added, "We are tracing the source of the weapons and working to identify their sponsors. No one found culpable will be spared."
Public Reaction and Call for Vigilance
Community leaders in Ile-Ife, where cult clashes have previously disrupted commercial activities, welcomed the arrests. Chief Sikiru Adebayo, a local youth leader, said, "These arrests send a strong signal. But we need the police to sustain the pressure, not just make headlines."
The police command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, particularly at night when cult groups traditionally hold initiation ceremonies. A dedicated hotline has been reactivated for anonymous tips.
Ongoing Crackdown
This latest operation is part of a statewide offensive launched in January by the new Commissioner of Police in Osun, focusing on cultism, kidnapping, and political violence. Authorities have promised regular updates as more suspects are being tracked.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as court proceedings commence.
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