Police Bust Suspected Cultists, Drug Dealers at Ilorin Hotspot, Recover 24 Motorcycles

 

 

Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected cultists, thugs and drug peddlers during a major raid at Tanke Junction in Ilorin, following intelligence reports on the activities of hoodlums disguising as commercial motorcyclists in the area.

 

The operation, which was carried out in collaboration with members of the National Forest Guard, targeted criminal hideouts within the area long identified by residents as a centre for cult-related violence and illicit drug activities in the Kwara State capital.

 

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the suspects were allegedly involved in cultism, street violence, drug trafficking and other criminal acts threatening peace and security in the metropolis.

 

The police spokesperson disclosed that 24 motorcycles were recovered during the raid, while five of the motorcycles were found to be unregistered.

 

She added that operatives also recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “ice”, Colorado, tramadol and other hard drugs from the suspects.

 

“The suspects were involved in cult-related activities, street violence, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal acts capable of disrupting public peace and safety within the area,” the statement said.

 

Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspects allegedly used the location as a base for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful groups, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal operations within Ilorin and neighbouring communities.

 

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal network, assuring residents that those already arrested would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.

 

The police also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling cultism, drug abuse and violent crimes across the state.