The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts in Osogbo, the state capital.
The command said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the Eiye Confraternity and a suspected criminal gang allegedly responsible for terrorising residents around Mackay Junction, Osogbo.
The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.
According to the statement, items recovered during the operation included suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds from drug-related activities.
The police said the suspects had been charged to court, adding that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, warned that the state would not serve as a safe haven for cultists, drug peddlers or other criminal elements.
“Osun State will not serve as a safe haven for cultists, drug peddlers, or any criminal elements,” the statement said.
He warned those involved in criminal activities to desist immediately or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
The command also called on parents, guardians, community leaders, landlords and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.
It further advised youths to shun cultism, illicit drugs and criminal associations, noting that involvement in such activities could have serious consequences.
The police said the raids would continue across identified black spots and criminal hideouts in Osogbo and other parts of the state as part of efforts to curb crime and sustain peace and security.