Police nab eight suspected cultists and seize weapons in Kwara

The Kwara State Police has arrested eight suspected cultists. They also recovered firearms and other dangerous items in a series of operations around Ilorin.

The police carried out the operation with its Anti-Cultism Unit. They worked with other tactical teams after receiving reliable information about cult activities.

In a statement on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the officers raided a suspected cult hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin. This led to the arrest of the eight suspects.

The suspects are 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.

During the operation, police recovered a number of weapons and other incriminating items. They found two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.

The police said these recoveries show their determination to fight cultism and violent crimes in the state.

“The arrests and recoveries show the Command’s commitment to stopping criminals from operating. We are strengthening our ongoing efforts to rid the state of cultism and other violent crimes,” the statement said.

The police also mentioned that investigations are ongoing. They aim to find out how involved each suspect is, identify other members of the alleged criminal group, and catch those who have fled.

“Those found guilty will face prosecution according to the law,” the police stated.

The Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, praised the operation's success. He credited it to the intelligence-led policing strategy by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

He reassured the public that the command is committed to fighting cultism and other violent crimes. They plan to do this through proactive policing and working with the community.