Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and recovered firearms and other dangerous weapons during coordinated operations across the Ilorin metropolis.
The Command said the arrests were made during a targeted raid by the Anti-Cultism Unit, working with other tactical teams, at a suspected cult hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin. Police said the operation followed credible intelligence on cult-related activities and other threats to public peace.
Those arrested were 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.
According to the police, items recovered during the operation included two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges, and other dangerous weapons suspected to be capable of facilitating violent crimes.
The Command said the arrests and recoveries reflect ongoing efforts to prevent criminal elements from operating in the state and to tackle cultism and other violent crimes.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to determine the level of each suspect’s involvement, identify other members of the network, and apprehend fleeing accomplices. Suspects found culpable, the Command said, will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, attributed the success of the operation to the intelligence-led policing strategy of the Inspector-General o, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes through proactive policing and public cooperation.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command.
Crediblenewsng.com
