The Nigerian Police, Osun State Command, has announced the arrest of three suspected notorious cultists and political thugs, with the recovery of firearms, ammunition, charms, and other dangerous weapons during an operation in the state.
The command disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan.
According to a statement issued, the suspects were identified as 27-year-old Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez; Omolara, 28-year-old Ezekiel; and 32-year-old Babatunde Azeez.
Ojelabi said that the suspects were arrested following a stop-and-search operation carried out by a patrol team attached to the Ikirun Area Command on May 22, 2026.
According to him, officers intercepted Abdulazeez while he was riding an unregistered motorcycle at about 10am.
The police spokesperson said a search conducted on him led to the recovery of two pistols, an axe, and charms.
“The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and assigned to the Anti-Robbery section of the command for in-depth investigation,” Ojelabi stated.
Ojelabi noted that during interrogation, Abdulazeez allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Ezekiel and Azeez as his accomplices.
Acting on the information, Ojelabi said investigators tracked down and arrested the two other suspects.
The police said further searches on the suspects led to the recovery of additional weapons and charms.
Ojelabi said that items recovered from the suspects include three English Beretta pistols, one live ammunition, one cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, four cutlasses, and three axes.
He stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, adding that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations were concluded.
“Investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members, and all the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” Ojelabi added.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, commended officers of the Anti-Robbery Unit for what he described as their swift response and professionalism in handling the case.
Gotan also reassured residents of the command’s determination to combat criminal activities across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, commends the Anti-Robbery Unit for their swift response and professionalism and assures the public of the command’s commitment to rid the state of all forms of criminality,” the statement said.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, stressing that the command remains committed to maintaining peace and security throughout the state.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
