Kwara: Police bust criminal hideout, nab 13 suspected cultists, drug peddlers
* Recover 24 motorcycles, hard drugs
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected cultists, thugs and drug peddlers during a major security raid at Tanke Junction in Ilorin, following intelligence reports on criminal activities allegedly carried out under the cover of commercial motorcycle operations.
The operation was conducted by police operatives in collaboration with members of the National Forest Guard as part of efforts to tackle rising cases of cultism, drug trafficking and street violence within the Ilorin metropolis.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the raid targeted hoodlums believed to be using the area as a base for criminal activities capable of threatening public peace and safety.
The police spokesperson added that the suspects were linked to cult-related activities, illicit drug dealings and violent crimes in the area, which she described as a notorious criminal hotspot in Ilorin.
Items recovered during the operation included 24 motorcycles, five of which were reportedly unregistered. The operatives also recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “ice,” Colorado, tramadol and other dangerous drugs.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects used the location as a gathering point for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful societies, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal activities within Ilorin and its environs,” the statement said.
The Command’s added that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the criminal network, while those arrested would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining raids and intelligence-driven operations aimed at ridding communities in the State of criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
