The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected criminals during intelligence-led operations across different parts of the state, recovering locally made firearms, a battle axe, and other suspected criminal items.
The operations, according to the Command, form part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and strengthen security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical teams to intensify intelligence-led raids on identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts across the state.
The directive, according to the statement, aligns with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s instructions to ensure a safe and secure environment across the country.
The statement disclosed that on October 25, 2026, police operatives conducted coordinated raids on identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts in Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie, and Orisunmibare.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of 35 suspected individuals, who were subsequently subjected to profiling and screening.
Following the exercise, 23 individuals were released unconditionally, while 12 suspects were reportedly retained for further investigation.
The suspects were identified as Oluranti Fatai, 40; Suraju Adebayo, 45; Okunola Sodiq, 27; Ibrahim Sodiq, 35; Ganiyu Sikiru, 28; Moshood Adeleke, 40; Kayoye Oguntayo, 22; Alaudeen Samad, 22; Ridwan Adegbola, 27; Busari Hammad, 30; Abiodun Fiyiola, 29; Adeleke Olawale, 28; Salaudeen Mujib, 30; and Olaposi Afeez, 22.
The police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to alleged criminal activities, including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities, and other acts capable of causing fear and panic among residents.
The Command added that the suspects had been charged before a competent court.
Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists in Ede, Recover Locally Made Gun
In a separate operation, the Police Command also arrested two suspected cult members following a violent cult-related clash at Laoye Street in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.
According to the statement, the incident occurred on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., when detectives responded to a distress call reporting an attack involving suspected cultists who were allegedly firing gunshots sporadically, causing panic among residents.
On arriving at the scene, the police team reportedly came under attack from armed suspected cultists, who allegedly opened fire on the operatives.
Despite the attack, the officers succeeded in arresting one of the suspects, identified as Salaudeen Mujib, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.
The suspect reportedly sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the encounter and was subsequently attended to.
During interrogation, the police said Mujib confessed to being a member of the Aye cult group.
A subsequent search of the cordoned-off area led to the arrest of another suspect, Olaposi Afeez, from whom a yellow battle axe and some local charms were recovered.
The second suspect reportedly confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity.
The Command disclosed that efforts had been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover additional weapons that might be in their possession.
Reacting to the developments, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, and other violent crimes across Osun State.
He warned individuals and groups involved in cult-related activities to desist from actions capable of endangering lives and disrupting public peace, stressing that the police would not relent in ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities were brought to justice.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state.
