What appeared to be another ordinary day in Ogbomoso quickly turned into a major security breakthrough after police operatives disrupted an alleged cult gathering and arrested 11 students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
The operation has raised concerns about cult-related activities within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the suspects were allegedly preparing coordinated attacks within the student community when officers attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) acted on credible intelligence. Consequently, the planned operation was stopped before it could be carried out.
The cultists arrest operation was carried out at different hideouts located in the Under-G, Yuako, and Adenike areas of Ogbomoso.
Police identified the suspects as Adedapo Victor, 24; Taiwo Rasheed, 22; Emeka Issac, 20; Akande Segundo, 26; Akande Julius, 26; Stephen Opeyemi, 24; Fortune Abel, 22; Oluwatunmise Ayodeji, 22; Adigun Oladimeji, 32; Akande Moses, 28; and Karim Kalid, 20.
Furthermore, preliminary investigations revealed that all 11 suspects are students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
The police also disclosed that some of the suspects have been linked to previous cult-related crimes, including murder.
However, investigations are still ongoing to establish the extent of each suspect’s involvement in criminal activities.
During the intelligence-led operation, several dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects. These items were allegedly meant for the planned attacks.
According to the police, the recovered exhibits include four locally made pistols, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, two cult axes, one cutlass, one dagger, and a red cult hooded cap.
The weapons have been taken into police custody as evidence. Meanwhile, forensic examinations are expected to be conducted as investigations continue.
The operation has been described as another major success in the Oyo State Police Command’s campaign against violent crimes and cultism.
Cult clashes have often resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. Therefore, security agencies have continued to intensify intelligence gathering to stop such incidents before they occur.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, praised the officers involved in the successful operation.
He also assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.
Furthermore, the police commissioner disclosed that efforts have been intensified to track down other suspected members of the group who escaped during the raid.
Although the arrests have brought temporary relief to residents, authorities believe more suspects are still at large.
Consequently, surveillance has been strengthened around strategic locations, especially areas surrounding the university community.
The latest development serves as another reminder of the importance of timely intelligence in fighting crime.
In addition, the operation reflects the determination of the Oyo State Police Command to dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out attacks.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been encouraged to continue providing useful information that can assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities.
