The Kwara State Police Command has arrested two suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Ilorin metropolis.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday.
According to the statement, the suspects, identified as 33-year-old Abdullahi Jimoh Omotoho and Abdullahi Kawu, popularly known as “B-Red,” were apprehended in separate operations following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by police operatives.
The command alleged that Omotoho is a member of the notorious Klans-Avea cult group operating within Ilorin.
“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 read.
The police added that intelligence gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, Abdullahi Kawu, alias “B-Red,” who is also believed to be linked to cult-related activities.
According to the command, the arrests form part of its intensified campaign against cultism, violent crime, and other threats to public safety across Kwara State.
“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 added.
The command said both suspects remain in police custody and are assisting investigators, adding that they will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and commitment to combating crime.
“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,” Adekimi said.
