Kwara Police Arrest Four Suspected Cultists in Ijagbo Raid

The Kwara State Police Command has announced the arrest of four suspected cult members during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and violent crime across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo on June 11, 2026, following credible intelligence concerning the activities of suspected cultists and other violent offenders in the area.

During the operation, police arrested Idowu Akorede, who investigators identified as the alleged Capon, or leader, of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity in the community. Three other suspects were subsequently apprehended during follow-up operations.

Police said preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery, and other violent crimes. The group has reportedly been linked to incidents in which residents were attacked and dispossessed of their belongings in broad daylight, contributing to concerns about security within the community.

The Command disclosed that the suspects allegedly resisted arrest when confronted by operatives. According to the police, they attacked officers with broken bottles in an attempt to evade capture. However, the officers were able to subdue and arrest the suspects without sustaining injuries.

Following their arrest, the suspects were transferred to Ilorin, where they remain in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities also stated that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the criminal network.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the VCRU operatives for what he described as their courage, professionalism, and dedication to duty.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state and ensuring the safety of residents and their property.

The Police Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing crime-fighting efforts.

The arrests represent another significant development in the Command’s campaign against cult-related violence and organized criminal activities in Kwara State.