The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital, recovering suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash.
The command said the operation was part of efforts to curb cult-related killings and other criminal activities in the state.
The police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the raids were carried out by tactical teams deployed to the Osogbo Divisional Headquarters on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura.
“The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18,” the statement added.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations have linked the suspects to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged criminal activities around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.
Ojelabi said the police would continue the operations to remove criminal elements from the state capital and restore peace.
“The raids will continue across identified black spots and criminal hideouts until criminal elements are flushed out and lasting peace and security are sustained in Osogbo and other parts of Osun State,” he said.
The statement added that the command was strengthening intelligence gathering and tactical operations to identify and arrest other people suspected of involvement in cultism, drug-related offences and other crimes.
He said the Commissioner of Police had warned that the state would not be allowed to become a safe haven for cultists, drug peddlers or other criminal elements.
He urged parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station.