The Ogun State Police Command says it has uncovered fresh leads in an ongoing investigation after two suspects arrested in Ijebu-Ode were linked to a kidnapping and murder case in Edo State.

Police said the suspects, identified as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20, were apprehended in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode following intelligence-led operations conducted by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are wanted in connection with a kidnapping incident in the Okada area of Edo State in which two hostages were reportedly murdered.

Why it matters

Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, with criminal groups often operating across state boundaries.

The latest arrest highlights the growing importance of intelligence-sharing and collaboration between state police commands in tracking suspected criminals who move across jurisdictions.

Police said further intelligence gathered during the investigation suggests that the two suspects are members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the Edo State case.

Police recover camouflage, mobile phones

During the operation, officers recovered a pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects.

The Command said the items have been documented and taken into custody as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.

“The exhibits have been properly documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation,” the statement said.

Security experts say the recovery of police-related materials raises concerns about the possible misuse of security uniforms by criminal groups to evade detection or gain victims’ trust during operations.

Suspects to be transferred to Edo

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the alleged crimes under investigation occurred outside Ogun State and that the suspects would be transferred to Edo State for further action.

“Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter, for further investigation and other necessary legal processes,” the statement added.

Legal analysts note that transferring suspects to the state where the alleged offences occurred is standard procedure and helps investigators consolidate evidence and witness testimonies.

Police commend operatives

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism and effective intelligence gathering.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to prevent criminal elements from using Ogun State as a hideout or transit point for unlawful activities,” he said.

He also assured residents that police would continue deploying intelligence-led policing strategies and strengthening collaboration with neighbouring commands to improve public safety.

Public urged to support investigations

The police called on residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Authorities said public cooperation remains critical to tackling kidnapping, violent crime and other security threats across the country.

For emergencies, residents can contact the Ogun State Police Command through its Gateway Shield toll-free line and other designated emergency numbers.

What happens next?

Investigators in Edo State are expected to take over the case as authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the alleged seven-man kidnapping syndicate.

Police have not yet announced whether additional arrests are expected, but officials say investigations remain ongoing.

The Oyo State Police Command has announced a series of security measures, including the arrest of two suspected cultists, a warning against the circulation of unverified information regarding an ongoing kidnap investigation, and the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting unregistered and improperly identified vehicles.

The developments form part of what the command described as intensified efforts to tackle crime, strengthen public safety and improve security operations across Oyo State.

Two suspected cultists arrested in Ogbomoso

Police said operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit arrested two suspected cult members during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway on 3 June.

The suspects were identified as Ajala Bukola, 28, and Caleb Adesoye, 24.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that both men had been on the command’s watchlist due to suspected involvement in cult-related activities in Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities.

A search of a grey Lexus ES 350 allegedly linked to the suspects led to the recovery of three axes, a cutlass, a hammer, two laptop computers, three mobile phones and substances suspected to be hard drugs.

Police said the suspects allegedly admitted belonging to a secret cult group during interrogation.

Investigators further alleged that the pair occupied strategic positions within the group’s hierarchy and may be linked to other criminal activities currently under investigation.

Police dismiss reports on kidnapping investigation

The command also issued a strong rebuttal to a widely circulated publication containing purported operational details about the recent abduction incident in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area.

According to police, the report contained alleged information about suspects, intercepted communications and financial transactions connected to the investigation.

The command described the publication as misleading and speculative.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the police said the information did not originate from the command or any authorised security agency involved in the investigation.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that the said publication is misleading, speculative, and not an official security report.”

Police warned that the release of unverified operational information could compromise ongoing investigations and undermine efforts to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The command stressed that details relating to suspects, intelligence gathering and financial investigations remain protected while investigations continue.

Statewide vehicle enforcement begins

Meanwhile, the police have commenced a statewide enforcement campaign targeting vehicles and motorcycles operating without proper identification.

The operation focuses on unmarked vehicles, fake number plates, obscured registration numbers and unauthorised coverings placed over number plates.

Police said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen crime prevention measures and improve the state’s security architecture.

Under the operation, vehicles found violating identification regulations may be impounded, while offenders could face arrest in accordance with existing laws.

The command also announced plans to sustain stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led patrols and raids on identified criminal hotspots across the state.

Why it matters

Security agencies increasingly rely on vehicle identification systems, intelligence gathering and community cooperation to track criminal suspects and prevent crimes.

Police officials say the combination of targeted arrests, public information management and stricter vehicle identification enforcement is intended to disrupt criminal networks, improve investigations and enhance rapid response capabilities.

The latest measures come amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies across Nigeria to address cult-related violence, kidnapping and other organised criminal activities.

Public urged to cooperate

The Oyo State Police Command appealed to residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with officers during enforcement operations.

The command also urged members of the public, bloggers and online publishers to rely on official communication channels for information relating to ongoing investigations.

“Members of the public are urged to rely strictly on official communication channels of the Command for verified information on the case and other security-related developments.”

Police reiterated their commitment to ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

What Next?

Investigations into the alleged cult activities and the Oriire abduction case remain ongoing.

Authorities say intelligence gathered from ongoing operations could lead to further arrests, while the vehicle compliance campaign is expected to continue across urban and rural areas of the state in the coming weeks.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested four suspected members of a cult group during a targeted operation in the Egbeda area of Lagos.

Police said the suspects were apprehended after intelligence reports indicated that suspected cult members were conducting an initiation ceremony around midnight in the community.

According to the command, officers launched a covert operation that resulted in the arrest of the four men and the recovery of weapons allegedly linked to criminal activities in Alimosho and surrounding areas.

The suspects were identified as Nurudeen Ganiu, 34; Oluwaleke Fagbula, 38; Emmanuel Silas, 41; and Nurudeen Abdullahi, 41.

During the operation, police recovered one locally made cut-to-size pistol, one English Beretta pistol loaded with ten live cartridges, and a jack knife.

Why It Matters

Cult-related violence remains a major security concern in parts of Lagos and several states across Nigeria.

Security analysts say cult groups are often linked to violent clashes, intimidation, armed robbery, and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.

The latest arrests highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to tackle organised criminal networks and improve security in densely populated communities such as Egbeda and Alimosho.

Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about violent incidents associated with cult activities, particularly attacks carried out at night and during public gatherings.

Police Link Suspects to Cult Activities

According to police investigations, one of the suspects is believed to be a prominent cult gang leader and a former university student in Ogun State who was allegedly expelled in 2022 over cult-related activities.

Investigators further alleged that the group had been involved in acts of thuggery and had terrorised residents in Egbeda and nearby communities.

Police said the suspects reportedly confessed to being active members of the Eiye Confraternity, a cult group that has been linked to violent clashes in parts of southern Nigeria.

Authorities also alleged that the gang used motorcycles to launch attacks on unsuspecting members of the public and disrupt social gatherings at gunpoint.

The claims made by police have not yet been independently verified, and the suspects have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Police Commissioner Commends Operatives

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police praised officers involved in the operation.

In a statement released by the command, the police commissioner said the successful arrests demonstrated the force’s commitment to tackling violent crime across the state.

“The Command remains steadfast in its resolve to combat cultism and all forms of violent crimes across the State.”

The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

Police encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines.

Security Experts Call for Community Collaboration

Security experts say intelligence-sharing between residents and law enforcement agencies remains one of the most effective tools in combating cult-related violence.

They argue that sustained surveillance, youth engagement programmes, and community policing initiatives are necessary to prevent the recruitment of young people into criminal groups.

Community leaders have also called for stronger partnerships between schools, families, and security agencies to address the root causes of cultism.

What Happens Next?

Police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional suspects may be connected to the group.

Authorities are also expected to carry out further intelligence operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within Alimosho and other parts of Lagos.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution if sufficient evidence is established against them.