Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: John. O

ILORIN, Kwara State, Nigeria — June 19, 2026 — Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cult members and recovered firearms and other dangerous weapons during a coordinated operation aimed at tackling cult-related violence and criminal activities in Ilorin metropolis.

The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command in collaboration with other tactical teams following intelligence reports about the activities of suspected cult groups operating within the city.

According to a statement released on Friday, June 19, 2026, by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, the operation was conducted after security operatives received credible information about a suspected cultists’ hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin metropolis.

Adeyemi said the tactical teams carried out a targeted raid on the location, leading to the arrest of eight suspects 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 several weapons believed to be connected to criminal activities, including two locally made pistols, one pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges, and other dangerous items.

The command said the recovered weapons could have been used to carry out violent crimes and threaten public safety within the state.

The latest arrests came less than one week after a violent shooting incident around the Post Office area of Ilorin, where four people were reportedly killed, two others seriously injured, and two suspects arrested following an alleged cult-related clash.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect, identify other members of the alleged criminal network, and arrest any accomplices still at large.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, described the operation as part of the command’s intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at preventing violent crimes and improving security across the state.

Ojo credited the development to cooperation between police units and members of the public who provide useful information about criminal activities.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed violence, and other security threats through proactive operations and community engagement.

Cult-related violence has remained a concern in some Nigerian cities, with rival groups often linked to violent clashes, intimidation, and other criminal activities. Security agencies have continued to carry out operations targeting suspected cult networks and their sources of weapons.

Authorities urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and providing information that could assist investigations.

The arrested suspects are expected to remain in custody while investigations continue, after which those found culpable will face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.

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