Kwara Police arrest eight suspected cultists, recover firearms in Ilorin raid

By Ahmed Olayinka

The Kwara State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities with the arrest of eight suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms and other dangerous weapons during coordinated operations across Ilorin metropolis.

The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit in collaboration with other tactical teams following a targeted raid on a suspected cult hideout located in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin.

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, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing cult-related violence in the state.

During the raid, operatives recovered a cache of weapons and other incriminating items. The exhibits include two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges and other dangerous weapons believed to be capable of facilitating violent crimes and threatening public safety.

The Police Command said the arrests and recoveries demonstrate its determination to deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate while strengthening efforts to eradicate cultism and other forms of violent criminality across the state.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect, identify other members of the suspected cult network and track down accomplices currently at large.

The Command assured that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, attributed the success of the operation to the intelligence-led policing strategy championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other violent crimes through proactive policing, intelligence gathering and collaboration with members of the public.

The Police Command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in sustaining peace and security across Kwara State.