Kwara police say they’ve swooped on two suspected cult members and seized a locally made pistol in intelligence-led operations inside Ilorin metropolis.
The suspects — 33-year-old Abdullahi Jimoh Omotoho and Abdullahi Kareem Kawu, popularly known as “B-Red” — were arrested in separate moves after what the force called credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said in a Friday statement.
Ejire-Adeyemi called the arrests “another major breakthrough” in the command’s fight against cultism and violent crime. “Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance, operatives of the Command arrested one Abdullahi Jimoh Omotoho, 33 years old, a suspected member of a notorious cult group (Klans-Avea) operating within Ilorin metropolis. “During the operation, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol was recovered from the suspect,” the statement added.
The probe then pointed officers to the second man. “Further intelligence generated in the course of the investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Abdullahi Kareem Kawu, popularly known as ‘B-Red,’ of Eiye Confraternity who is currently assisting investigators in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks associated with cult-related activities within the State,” the statement read.
“The operation forms part of the command’s intensified campaign against cultism, violent crimes, and other threats to public safety. “Preliminary investigations have provided useful leads regarding the activities of criminal gangs operating within the metropolis, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the groups involved,” the statement said.
Commissioner of Police Ojo Adekimi praised the team: “I commend the professionalism, vigilance, and commitment of the operatives involved in the operation. “The command remains determined to sustain intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting strategies aimed at ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere within Kwara State,” he said. “Residents should continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the State,” he added.
Both suspects remain in custody, helping investigations and will be charged when probes finish. On June 4, Lagos police also arrested four suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and a knife after a reported midnight initiation in Egbeda.
