The Osun State Police Command has arrested fourteen suspected criminals and recovered a locally made firearm and battle axe during coordinated raids across the state.
The suspects were arrested on October 25, 2026, during intelligence-led raids on black spots at Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.
Police sources said 35 persons were initially picked up and screened, with 23 released unconditionally after profiling, while 14 were detained for alleged involvement in extortion, thuggery, illicit drugs and acts capable of causing public panic.
The suspects have been charged to court.
Those arrested are 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.
In a separate operation, the Command also foiled a cult clash at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area.
It was gathered that on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30pm, detectives responded to a distress call over sporadic gunshots by rival cult groups. The operatives were ambushed on arrival but managed to arrest Salaudeen Mujib, who was found with a cut-to-size locally made pistol. He sustained a minor injury on his thigh during the exchange.
Mujib reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye confraternity.
A follow-up search led to the arrest of Olaposi Afeez, who confessed to belonging to the Eiye group. A yellow battle axe and local charms were recovered from him.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, said the raids were in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to sanitize the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Zungura warned cultists and criminal elements to desist, vowing that the Command will not relent in clamping down on unlawful possession of firearms and violent crimes.
He also urged residents to report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency line.
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