Police arrest four suspected cultists in Kwara

Authorities in Kwara State, Nigeria, have announced a significant breakthrough in their campaign against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious cult group. The operation, conducted by the Violent Crime Response Unit, targeted criminal hideouts in Ijagbo, within the Oyun Local Government Area.

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The Kwara State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to rid the state of cult-related violence and other criminal activities following the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious cult group during a targeted operation in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence regarding their involvement in cult-related activities and other violent criminal acts plaguing the community. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the raid was part of ongoing efforts to ensure the state's security.

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Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected cultists and violent criminals operating within the area, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit on Thursday, June 11, 2026, carried out a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts in Ijagbo.

One of the arrested individuals, Idowu Akorede, a resident of Ijagbo, has been identified as the alleged "Capon" or leader of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity. The police statement indicated that Akorede was apprehended at a hideout, and subsequent operations led to the capture of three other individuals.

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During the operation, one Idowu Akorede, male, of Ijagbo, identified as the alleged Capon of the outlawed Eiye Confraternity, was arrested at a hideout in Ijagbo. Further operations led to the arrest of three others.

Preliminary investigations suggest the group is linked to a pattern of criminal behavior, including robbery and violent assaults that have instilled fear among residents. The suspects reportedly resisted arrest, attacking officers with broken bottles in an attempt to evade capture. However, law enforcement officers managed to subdue and detain them without sustaining injuries. The arrested individuals have been transferred to Ilorin for further investigation and custody.

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Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are members of a criminal gang allegedly involved in cult-related activities, robbery and other violent crimes.