The Osun State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across Osogbo, the state capital.

The operation was conducted in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura, as part of efforts to combat cultism and other criminal activities across the state.

The suspects were identified as Ajibade Lateef, 21; Olaniyi Kabiru, 27; Ifaleke Ifedeji, 18; Tajudeen Wasiu, 35; Abideen Babatunde, 35; and Opeyemi Lukman, 18.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are allegedly members of the Eiye Confraternity and may be linked to a criminal gang reportedly terrorising residents around Mackay Junction in Osogbo.

Items recovered during the operation include suspected criminal charms, illicit drugs and cash believed to be proceeds of drug-related activities.

The command disclosed that the suspects had been charged to court, while investigations and tactical operations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in cultism and related offences.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, warning criminal elements that Osun State would not serve as a safe haven for their activities.

He also urged residents, community leaders and parents to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements to security agencies and discourage young people from engaging in cultism and drug abuse.

The police assured residents that operations aimed at tackling cultism and other criminal activities would continue across the state.