The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six persons suspected to be involved in cult-related activities during a coordinated security operation in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, formed part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state.
The suspects were identified as Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26), and Odugunle Bukola (21).
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the arrests followed intelligence reports linking suspected cult members to activities within Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities.
According to the police spokesperson, the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 16, 2026, after security operatives received credible information concerning alleged cult operations in the affected areas.
Acting on the intelligence, officers moved into the identified locations and successfully apprehended the suspects.
Preliminary investigations, the police said, suggest that the arrested individuals may be connected to unlawful confraternity activities within the Akoko axis, a development authorities say has continued to pose security concerns in the area.
Items reportedly recovered during the operation include five battle axes, one jackknife, assorted charms, and materials believed to be associated with cult groups, including boots, yellow singlets and face caps.
The command stated that all recovered items have been secured as exhibits and will support ongoing investigations.
Police authorities also disclosed that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are completed.
The command added that intelligence gathered during the operation is currently being analysed to track down other suspected members and determine the wider scope of the group’s activities within and outside the affected communities.
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