The Kwara State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists and recovered several firearms and dangerous weapons during a coordinated security operation across parts of Ilorin metropolis.

The arrests come days after a violent clash linked to suspected cult groups reportedly left four people dead and several others injured around the Post Office area of the state capital.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, working alongside other tactical teams, acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected cult hideout in the Akuo and Fagba areas of Ilorin.

The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects, including both male and female individuals believed to be connected to cult-related activities.

Police also recovered a cache of weapons during the raid, including two locally fabricated pistols, a pump-action shotgun, two cut-to-size shotguns, 25 expended cartridges and other items considered capable of facilitating violent crimes.

According to the command, investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of each suspect, uncover additional members of the network and track down others who may still be at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, attributed the success of the operation to intelligence-driven policing and reiterated the command’s resolve to tackle cultism and related criminal activities through proactive measures and community support.