Police raided an Ilorin hideout, arrested eight suspected cult members, and confiscated weapons

Officers of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested eight cult suspects and recovered a cache of firearms and dangerous weapons in a series of intelligence-led operations in Ilorin, the state capital.

The arrests were made by Anti-Cultism Unit personnel working with other tactical teams following reports of suspected cult-related activities in several parts of the metropolitan city.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said security operatives raided identified hideouts in Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin, leading to the arrest of eight suspects believed to be linked to cult activities.

Those arrested were identified as Ismail Sodiq, 35; Ibrahim Sahid, 26; Feyikemi Odoje, 28; Ishola Faisat, 23; Abubakar Zainab, 22; Azeez Olarenwaju, 27; Soliu Ibrahim, 22; and Abdulbasit Abdulkadir, 24.

According to police, a large number of weapons and other items considered incriminating were recovered during the operation.

Among the evidence confiscated were two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size rifles, 25 cartridges and several other dangerous weapons.

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The command said that the results of the operation reflected its resolve to dismantle criminal networks and curb cult-related violence in the state.

“These arrests and recoveries underscore the Command’s commitment to deny criminal elements opportunities to operate, while strengthening ongoing efforts to rid the country of cults and other forms of violent criminality,” the statement read.

Police authorities revealed that the investigation has expanded to determine the specific roles played by each suspect, unravel the entire alleged network and track down other individuals who may still be at large.

“Those found guilty will be tried according to the law,” police said.

Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, lauded the success of the intelligence-based policing framework introduced by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

He reiterated his command’s resolve to sustain efforts against cultism and other violent crimes through proactive security measures, intelligence gathering and continued cooperation with the state’s residents.