The Osun State Police Command has arrested six individuals suspected of involvement in cult-related activities following coordinated security operations targeting criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.
The arrests formed part of renewed efforts by the command to address cult violence, drug-related offences and other criminal activities threatening public safety in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
According to the police spokesperson, tactical operatives carried out the raids after the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, directed the deployment of additional security personnel to the Osogbo Divisional Headquarters.
The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of items described by the police as suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.
Police authorities disclosed that preliminary investigations had allegedly linked the arrested individuals to the Eiye Confraternity, a group associated with cult-related activities.
The command also alleged that the suspects were connected to criminal activities around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.
However, the allegations remain subject to further investigation, and the suspects have not been reported as convicted of any offence.
Ojelabi explained that the security operation was designed to disrupt suspected criminal networks and prevent further incidents of violence in the state capital.
He said tactical teams would continue to identify and raid locations suspected of harbouring individuals involved in cultism and other unlawful activities.
The police spokesperson added that the command was intensifying intelligence gathering to track down other suspects believed to be involved in cult-related violence, drug distribution and associated criminal offences.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura also reaffirmed the command's determination to prevent Osun State from becoming a refuge for criminal groups.
According to the statement, the police will maintain security operations in identified trouble spots while strengthening measures aimed at protecting residents and restoring public confidence.
The command further appealed to parents, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders to support security agencies by providing useful information about suspicious activities within their communities.
Residents were encouraged to promptly report suspected criminal movements or threats to the nearest police station.
The latest arrests come amid continuing efforts by security authorities to address cult-related violence and other criminal activities in Osogbo and surrounding communities.
Police authorities have indicated that further operations will continue as investigations into the arrested suspects and their alleged activities progress.