Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected cultists, thugs and drug peddlers during a major security raid at Tanke Junction in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with members of the National Forest Guard following credible intelligence reports on the activities of criminal elements allegedly disguising as commercial motorcyclists in the area.
According to the police, the suspects were allegedly involved in cult-related activities, street violence, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal acts capable of disrupting public peace and endangering residents within the Ilorin metropolis.
Security sources described Tanke Junction as one of the areas that has increasingly gained notoriety for criminal gatherings, gang activities and drug-related operations, particularly within the busy university community axis of the state capital.
During the coordinated raid, police operatives recovered 24 motorcycles from the suspects and surrounding locations. Authorities disclosed that five of the motorcycles were unregistered, raising further suspicion over their use in criminal activities.
The police also recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “ice,” Colorado, tramadol and other hard drugs allegedly found in possession of the suspects during the operation.
Preliminary investigations by security operatives revealed that the location was allegedly being used as a gathering point for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful societies, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal operations across Ilorin and nearby communities.
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The command further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing accomplices believed to be connected to the criminal network operating within the area.
Police authorities stated that the arrested suspects remain in custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations into the matter.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the operation forms part of intensified efforts by security agencies to combat cultism, drug abuse and violent crimes across Kwara State.
