DistantNews
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police bust criminal hideout in Kwara, arrest 13 cultists

From The Punch · (1h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Police in Kwara state, Nigeria, arrested 13 suspected cultists, thugs, and drug peddlers during a raid on a criminal hideout.
  • The operation at Tanke Junction in Ilorin recovered 24 motorcycles and various illicit substances, including cannabis and methamphetamine.
  • Authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices and dismantle the criminal network, with suspects to be charged after investigation.

In a decisive operation against criminal elements plaguing the Kwara state capital, the Nigeria Police Force, in conjunction with members of the National Forest Guard, has successfully dismantled a notorious hideout at Tanke Junction, Ilorin. This coordinated raid, a testament to the command's commitment to public safety, led to the apprehension of 13 individuals identified as cultists, thugs, and drug peddlers.

Following credible intelligence on the activities of hoodlums operating under the guise of commercial motorcyclists, the police bust a black spot in Ilorin on Thursday and arrested some suspects.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiStatement by the state Police Public Relations Officer detailing the operation.

The operation, spurred by credible intelligence regarding the activities of hoodlums operating under the guise of commercial motorcyclists, targeted a known black spot. The suspects were deeply involved in cult-related activities, street violence, and illicit drug trafficking, all of which have contributed to disrupting public peace and safety in the area. The recovery of 24 motorcycles, some unregistered, and a significant haul of illicit substances including cannabis, methamphetamine, and tramadol, underscores the severity of the criminal enterprise.

The suspects were involved in cult-related activities, street violence, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal acts capable of disrupting public peace and safety within the area, which has over time gained notoriety as a criminal flashpoint within the Ilorin metropolis.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiStatement by the state Police Public Relations Officer describing the suspects' involvement in criminal acts.

Preliminary investigations reveal that this location served as a hub for drug peddling, the recruitment of youths into unlawful societies, intimidation of residents, and the planning of criminal activities. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend any remaining accomplices and dismantle the entire criminal network. This proactive stance by the Kwara State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, demonstrates a firm resolve to sanitize the state and ensure the security of its citizens. The suspects in custody will face charges once investigations are complete, signaling a commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects used the location as a gathering point for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful societies, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal activities within Ilorin and its environs.

— Adetoun Ejire-AdeyemiStatement by the state Police Public Relations Officer on the preliminary findings of the investigation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog