Police Arrest 13 Suspected Cultists, Drug Dealers in Major Raid at Ilorin Hotspot

(The suspected cultists, thugs, and drug dealers. Photo Credit: TVC News)

Thirteen suspected cultists, thugs, and drug dealers were taken into custody by Kwara State Police Command officers working with National Forest Guard troops during a coordinated raid at Tanke Junction in the state capital of Ilorin.

According to SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, a spokesman for the state police command, the raid was carried out in response to reliable information about the actions of thugs posing as commercial motorcycle riders.

The suspects engaged in street violence, illegal drug trafficking, cult-related activities, and other crimes that could jeopardize public safety and tranquility in the neighborhood, which has become known as a criminal hotspot in the city of Ilorin over time.

Five of the 24 motorcycles that were recovered during the operation were unregistered. Tramadol, Colorado, cannabis sativa, "ice" (crystal methamphetamine), and other hard narcotics were also found on the accused, the official continued.

According to Adetoun, the preliminary investigation showed that the suspects used the area as a meeting place for drug sales, recruiting young people into illegal organizations, intimidating locals, and organizing criminal activities in Ilorin and its surrounding areas.

The existing suspects will be charged in court after continuing investigations are completed, and efforts are being stepped up to capture further fugitive accomplices and dismantle the criminal network.