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.

The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation after armed hoodlums attacked the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Passport Office in Ogbomoso, injuring officers and stealing a service rifle.

Police said the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a group of about five attackers allegedly invaded the facility by scaling the perimeter fence from the rear of the compound.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of government facilities and the growing challenge of protecting public institutions from criminal activity.

What Happened?

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the officer in charge of the passport office raised an alarm at about 8:45 p.m. after armed men breached the premises.

Police said rapid-response operatives from the Command Monitoring Unit and surveillance teams were immediately deployed to the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects gained entry through a section of the fence bordering a large bush area behind the facility.

Investigators say the attackers assaulted two immigration officers who were on night duty using sticks and other weapons before making away with a G3 rifle assigned to the office and its attached ammunition.

The suspects also reportedly stole a mobile phone belonging to one of the officers, a generating set, and a motorcycle battery before escaping through the same route.

Officers Receiving Treatment

Police confirmed that the injured officers received medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the affected personnel.

Police Intensify Search Operations

Security teams have begun extensive search operations in and around Ogbomoso, including nearby bush paths and suspected escape routes.

Police say intelligence officers and informants have been mobilised to provide actionable information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen weapon.

In a statement, the Command said:

“Surveillance and tactical teams have intensified operations within and around the area, including the combing of adjoining bushes and likely escape routes, in a determined effort to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms and other valuables.”

Joint Security Task Team Established

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed operational and intelligence units to dedicate all available resources to the investigation.

Police also revealed that the Commissioner and the Oyo State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service have established a joint task team to strengthen cooperation between both agencies.

The Command said:

“The Commissioner of Police and the State Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, have jointly constituted a collaborative task team to strengthen coordination and enhance efforts aimed at ensuring the arrest of all persons involved.”

Why This Matters

Security experts say the theft of a service rifle from a government facility increases concerns about the potential circulation of weapons among criminal groups.

Although authorities have not linked the attack to any organised criminal network, analysts note that stolen security weapons often become a priority for law enforcement because of the risks they pose to public safety.

The incident also highlights broader concerns about protecting critical government infrastructure, particularly facilities located near isolated or poorly secured areas.

Public Urged to Assist Investigation

The Oyo State Police Command has called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Authorities say any information that could assist the investigation will be treated confidentially.

For emergencies, residents can contact

– Oyo State Call Response Center (Toll-Free): 615

– Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614

– 07055495413

What Happens Next?

Investigators are expected to review intelligence reports, examine possible escape routes, and collaborate with other security agencies in efforts to recover the stolen rifle and apprehend the suspects.

Police have assured residents that security operations will continue until those responsible are brought to justice.