The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a significant security breakthrough with the arrest of eight suspected cultists and the recovery of dangerous weapons following coordinated raids across the Ilorin metropolis. The Anti-Cultism Unit, operating in collaboration with other tactical teams, acted on credible intelligence about suspected cult activities in the area before swooping on hideouts in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin, leading to the apprehension of all eight suspects.

The suspects 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. A cache of firearms and other dangerous weapons was recovered at the scenes, further confirming the criminal nature of the group’s activities.

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo credited the success of the operation to the intelligence-led policing strategy championed by Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu describing it as a model for proactive crime prevention. Ojo reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling cult networks and other violent criminal groups operating in Kwara State, warning that security operatives would leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of public safety.

The latest arrests come against the backdrop of intensified anti-cultism operations across Kwara State. Earlier in June, the command had also arrested four suspected cult members including an alleged Eiye Confraternity leader during a targeted raid in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area, underscoring a deliberate and sustained campaign to rid the state of cult violence.