Kwara Police bust criminal hideouts in Ilorin, arrest wanted cult suspect, four others

By Ahmed Olayinka

The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crimes following an intelligence-led operation carried out by the newly established Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU) in Ilorin metropolis.

The operation, which took place on May 18, 2026, targeted suspected cultists’ hideouts and criminal enclaves located around Kilanko and the Post Office axis of Ilorin.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation was executed based on credible intelligence and in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

The police disclosed that operatives of the VCRU, working in collaboration with community policing stakeholders and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) Special Squad led by Kayode Usman, successfully disrupted identified criminal hideouts during the coordinated raid.

During the operation, a suspected notorious cultist identified as AbdulRahman Jimoh, popularly known as “Kangol,” was arrested at about 9:00 p.m. around the Post Office area of Ilorin.

Police authorities said the suspect had long been on the watchlist of the unit over his alleged involvement in cult-related activities and other violent crimes within the metropolis.

A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs.

The command further disclosed that four additional suspected cult members were arrested during a related operation carried out at Kilanko.

According to the statement, the operation reflects the VCRU’s sustained intelligence-driven strategy aimed at tracking, disrupting, and neutralising violent criminal elements across Kwara State.

The police added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and courage, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, praised the VCRU personnel for their swift response and commitment to intelligence-led policing.

THE PRIME NEWS reports that the Commissioner reassured residents of the command’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against criminal activities across the state.

He also issued a stern warning to cultists, drug peddlers, and other criminal elements to stay away from Kwara State or face the full weight of the law.

The police further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful and timely information capable of aiding crime prevention and public safety across the state.