Osun Police Arrest 14 Suspects, Recover Firearms in Crackdown on Criminal Elementsp

The Osun State Police Command has arrested fourteen suspects in connection with various criminal activities across the state and recovered firearms, including a locally made cut-to-size gun, in an ongoing effort to rid the state of criminal elements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on October 30, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical teams to embark on sustained intelligence raids of black spots within their areas of responsibility in full compliance with the directives of Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu towards a safe environment in preparation for the forthcoming elections.

According to the statement, operatives of the Command on October 25, 2026, embarked on a coordinated raid of identified black spots and suspected criminal hideouts at Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare, all within the state, leading to the arrest of thirty-seven suspected individuals.

The suspects were subsequently subjected to profiling and screening, after which twenty-three persons were released unconditionally while twelve suspects were retained for further investigation.

The retained suspects are Oluranti Fatai, male, 40; Suraju Adebayo, male, 45; Okunola Sodiq, male, 27; Ibrahim Sodiq, male, 35; Ganiyu Sikiru, male, 28; Moshood Adeleke, male, 40; Kayoye Oguntayo, male, 22; Alaudeen Samad, male, 22; Ridwan Adegbola, male, 27; Busari Hammad, male, 30; Abiodun Fiyiola, male, 29; Adeleke Olawale, male, 28; Salaudeen Mujib, male, 30; and Olaposi Afeez, male, 22.

Ojelabi said preliminary interrogation and findings reportedly linked the suspects to alleged criminal activities, including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and conduct capable of causing terror and panic among innocent residents of the affected communities. He said the suspects had since been charged before a competent court.

Equally, the Command, through sustained intelligence, arrested two suspected cultists and recovered a locally made firearm in connection with a violent cult-related clash at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.

On October 19, 2026, at about 1230 hours, a team of detectives responded to a distress call reporting that suspected cultists were attacking one another and firing sporadically, thereby causing panic and posing a serious threat to public safety in the area.

Upon arrival, the police operatives were reportedly ambushed by armed suspected cultists in their numbers, who opened fire on the team.

Despite the fierce attack, the operatives successfully arrested one suspect, Salaudeen Mujib, who was found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.

The suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the incident and was attended to accordingly. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aye cult group.

Subsequently, following a grid search of the already cordoned-off area, the police operatives arrested another suspect, Olaposi Afeez.

One yellow battle axe and some local charms were recovered from him. The suspect also reportedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.

The Command said it had intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover any additional weapons in their possession.

The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Zungura, reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes across the state.

He warned individuals and groups involved in cult-related activities to desist from acts capable of endangering lives and disrupting public peace, as the Command would not relent in bringing perpetrators of criminal activities to justice.

The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels, stressing that the Osun State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

Ojelabi said the Command would continue to sustain the tempo of its operations to guarantee a safe environment for residents.

He urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing timely and useful information. Ojelabi added that the fight against crime required the support of all stakeholders in the state.

The statement was e-signed by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, anipr, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, Osogbo.