By: Opeyemi Abolarinwa.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in coordinated intelligence-led raids across the state and recovered firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The Command said the operation was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for a safe environment ahead of the 2027 general elections, and on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, to Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical teams to raid black spots.
According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Friday, operatives on October 25, 2026, raided identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts at Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.
During the operation, 37 individuals were arrested and profiled. Twenty-three were released unconditionally, while 14 were retained for further investigation over alleged involvement in extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and conduct capable of causing fear among residents. The police said the suspects have been charged to court.
The statement noted, “On 25th October, 2026, the operatives of the Command embarked on a coordinated raid of identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts at Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare all within the State leading to the arrest of Thirty-five (35) suspected individuals.
During the operation, a total of Thirty-seven (37) individuals were arrested and subsequently subjected to profiling and screening. Following the exercise twenty-three (23) persons were released unconditionally, while twelve (12) suspects were retained for further investigation. The suspects are: Oluranti Fatai, male, 40 years; Suraju Adebayo ‘M’ 45 years; Okunola Sodiq ‘M’ 27 years; Ibrahim Sodiq ‘M’ 35 years; Ganiyu Sikiru ‘M’ 28 years; Moshood Adeleke ‘M’ 40 years; Kayoye Oguntayo ‘M’ 22 years; Alaudeen Samad M’ 22 years; Ridwan Adegbola ‘M’ 27 years; Busari Hammad ‘M’ 30 years; Abiodun Fiyiola ‘M’ 29 years; Adeleke Olawale ‘M’ 28 years; Salaudeen Mujib ‘M’ 30 years and Olaposi Afeez ‘M’ 22 years.
However, preliminary interrogation and findings reportedly linked the suspects to alleged criminal activities, including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities, and conduct capable of causing terror and panic among innocent residents of the affected communities. The suspects have since been charged before a competent court.”
In a separate operation, the Command also arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a locally made firearm following a violent cult clash at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area.
Police said that on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., detectives responded to a distress call that suspected cultists were attacking one another and shooting sporadically.
“Upon arrival, the police operatives were reportedly ambushed by armed suspected cultists in their numbers, who opened fire on the team. Despite the fierce attack, the operatives successfully arrested one suspect who was found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm,” the statement said.
The suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the incident. Police said he confessed to being a member of the Aye cult group.
Following a grid search of the area, operatives arrested a second suspect and recovered a battle axe and local charms. He also allegedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
“On 19th October 2026, at about 1230 hours, a team of detectives responded to a distress call reporting that suspected cultists were attacking one another and firing sporadically, thereby causing panic and posing a serious threat to public safety in the area.
Upon arrival, the police operatives were reportedly ambushed by armed suspected cultists in their numbers, who opened fire on the team. Despite the fierce attack, the operatives successfully arrested one suspect, Salaudeen Mujib ‘M’ who was found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm. The suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the incident and was attended to accordingly.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye cult group.
Subsequently, following a grid search of the already cordoned-off area, the police operatives arrested another suspect, Olaposi Afeez ‘M’. One yellow battle axe and some local charms were recovered from him. The suspect also reportedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover any additional weapons that may be in their possession,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes, and warned individuals involved in such acts to desist.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
