The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected criminals during coordinated raids on identified black spots and criminal hideouts across the state, recovering firearms and other dangerous items.
The operation, conducted on October 25, 2026, covered Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said 37 persons were initially arrested and subjected to profiling and screening.
He said 23 were subsequently released unconditionally, while 14 suspects were retained for further investigation.
According to the police, preliminary investigations linked the suspects to alleged extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and other acts capable of causing fear and panic among residents.
The suspects have since been charged before a competent court.
In a related development, the command arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a locally made firearm following a violent cult clash at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area.
Ojelabi said police detectives responded to a distress call on October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., reporting that suspected cultists were attacking one another and firing gunshots indiscriminately.
He said the operatives were ambushed by armed suspects upon arrival, but successfully arrested one suspect, identified as Salaudeen Mujib, who was allegedly found with a locally made cut-to-size firearm.
The suspect reportedly sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the encounter and received medical attention.
During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aye cult group.
The police subsequently arrested another suspect, Olaposi Afeez, during a search of the cordoned-off area. A yellow battle axe and local charms were reportedly recovered from him.
The second suspect allegedly confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity.
The command said efforts had been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover additional weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Zungura, warned individuals and groups involved in cultism and other violent activities to desist, stressing that the command would not relent in bringing offenders to justice.
He also reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism, illegal possession of firearms and other violent crimes across the state.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
