Police arrest eight suspected cultists in Kwara
Eight Suspected Cultists Arrested in Ilorin, Firearms Recovered
ILORIN, Nigeria — Eight individuals suspected of cult activity were apprehended by the Kwara State Police Command during coordinated operations in Ilorin, the state capital. The actions come just days after a violent shooting incident in which four people were killed and two others severely injured.
According to a statement from police spokesperson Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the Anti-Cultism Unit, working alongside other tactical teams, conducted a targeted raid on a suspected cult hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of the city.
The arrested individuals 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.
During the operation, police recovered a variety of dangerous weapons, including two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, and two cut-to-size shotguns. In total, 25 expended cartridges and other harmful items were seized.
Adeyemi stated that an investigation is currently underway to determine the extent of each suspect’s involvement and to identify additional members of the criminal organization. Efforts are also being made to apprehend those who are still at large. Authorities plan to prosecute any individuals found culpable in accordance with the law.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo credited the success of the operation to an intelligence-led policing strategy implemented by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu. Ojo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism and other violent crimes through proactive measures and community collaboration.
