Midnight Sting: Ogun Police Nab 21 Suspected Cultists, Including Two Soldiers in Abeokuta Hotel Raid

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 21 suspected cultists, including two soldiers, during a midnight operation carried out at a hotel in Osiele, under the jurisdiction of the Odeda Police Division in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the development on Saturday, stating that the raid was executed following credible intelligence on a planned gathering of members of a suspected cult group in the area.

According to Odutola, the coordinated operation was led by Superintendent of Police Adejoh Israel and involved a joint team of officers from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit. The raid specifically targeted individuals believed to be affiliated with the notorious Aiye confraternity.

“During the operation, 21 suspects were arrested, including two individuals identified as soldiers. The team recovered a cut-to-size locally fabricated firearm, a branded axe, and several blue berets, which are commonly linked to cult-related symbolism,” she said.

All suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Anti-Cultism Unit at Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further profiling and investigation.

SP Odutola also urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against cultism and other criminal activities.

“The command remains committed to the safety of all residents. We will continue to intensify our operations across all divisions to root out criminal elements and ensure peace in every part of the state,” she added.

The arrest underscores growing concerns over cult-related violence in parts of Ogun State and the security agencies’ resolve to dismantle such networks before they escalate.