The Kwara State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in its campaign against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of four suspected members of a cult group during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police on Sunday.
According to the command, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in the community on June 11 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals in the area.
The police said one of the suspects, Idowu Akorede, identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity in Ijagbo, was arrested during the operation. Three other suspects were subsequently apprehended in follow-up operations.
Preliminary investigations, according to the command, indicate that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery and other violent crimes. The police further alleged that the group had been linked to incidents in which residents were attacked and dispossessed of their valuables in broad daylight, creating fear and insecurity within the community.
The command stated that the suspects allegedly resisted arrest and attacked operatives with broken bottles in an attempt to evade capture. However, the officers reportedly subdued and arrested them without sustaining injuries.
Police authorities said the suspects have been transferred to Ilorin and remain in custody as investigations continue. Efforts are also ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, commended the operatives for what he described as their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty. He reaffirmed the command's resolve to combat all forms of criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and useful information to support ongoing efforts to fight crime and maintain public safety.
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