The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cult members at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and recovered a cache of weapons during an operation aimed at preventing a potential breach of peace.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, noting that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly planning a meeting within the institution’s premises.

According to the police, the suspects are believed to be members of the Aiye Confraternity. The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, was carried out after obtaining approval from the school authorities.

Olayinka said the intervention was based on intelligence reports indicating that the planned gathering could escalate into violence. He described the operation as precise and professionally executed.

A total of 16 suspects including 14 males and two females were arrested at and around the meeting venue. Preliminary findings suggest that some of those apprehended had previously been under surveillance for alleged involvement in cult-related violence, including murder cases within the state.

Items recovered during the operation include two locally fabricated guns, two pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes and assorted charms.

The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ activities and to track down other individuals who may have escaped arrest.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cultism and other forms of violent crime in the state.