The Osun State Police Command has arrested eleven suspects, including ten members of a notorious criminal gang and an armed thug, following separate operations aimed at tackling cultism, thuggery, and other violent crimes in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, CP Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Command Headquarters, Ring Road, Osogbo.
He said the briefing was part of efforts to keep the public informed about the Command’s progress in combating crime across the state, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“The essence of this briefing is to keep the public adequately informed about the Command’s continued efforts in combating cultism and other violent crimes across the state, the command, not resting on its oars, has intensified proactive policing strategies to curb violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms,” Gotan said.
Providing details of the operations, the CP said ten suspected members of a “dreadful multifaceted criminal gang” were arrested at Moro, in Ife North Local Government Area, after operatives of the Police Rapid Response Unit (PRU) acted on credible intelligence in the early hours of October 25, 2025.
The suspects, who were allegedly involved in cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, opened fire on police officers upon sighting them. The officers, however, responded swiftly and repelled the attack without casualties.
A search conducted at the scene led to the arrest of ten suspects and the recovery of a cache of firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and motorcycles. The suspects include Adebayo Olalekan (27), Hammed Abdullah (47), Olajide Opeyemi (34), Olushola Samson (24), Salako Opeyemi (20), Majekodunmi Shefiu (32), Ganiyu Yusuf (24), Ridwan Temitope (25), Taofeek Yusuf (25), and Babafemi Adelowo (28).
Items recovered from the scene include two English pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, one single-barrel gun, 15 live cartridges, several empty shells, three Lexus cars, two Toyota Camry cars, and ten motorcycles.
CP Gotan noted that the owner of the lounge used as their hideout has fled and is currently being tracked.
In another operation the same day, operatives of the Anti-Thuggery Unit arrested a 22-year-old armed thug, Lekan Jamiu, along Oja-Oba area of Osogbo, for illegal possession of firearms and hard drugs.
Recovered from the suspect were one cut-to-size locally made pistol, four live cartridges, twelve 9mm live ammunitions, quantities of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp), and assorted charms.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect is a known thug and a member of a criminal gang operating within Osogbo and its environs, he is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation,” Gotan explained.
The Commissioner lauded the efforts of the Command’s officers and men for their bravery and professionalism, assuring residents of the Command’s continued resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“These operatives once again demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the Osun State Police Command to ensure the safety of lives and property across the State, we remain resolute in our commitment to make Osun State peaceful and safe,” he said.
Gotan also appreciated residents of Osun State for their continued trust and cooperation with the police, urging them to provide timely information that could assist security operations.
“I really want to appreciate the good people of Osun State for their continued trust, support, and cooperation with the Police. Your timely information and partnership remain vital to our success,” he added.
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