The Oyo State Police Command has paraded suspected members of rival cult groups arrested during intelligence-led operations across the state.
Police authorities say the operation led to the recovery of firearms and other dangerous weapons, while one of the suspects confessed to being a factional leader of a notorious confraternity.
Speaking during the parade of the suspects at the state Police Headquarters in Eleyele, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the arrests followed credible intelligence received, which led to the mobilisation of tactical teams to apprehend those linked to the cult activities.
According to him, the intelligence driven operation led officers to various locations where the suspects were arrested without incident.
He stated that the recovery of the weapons further validates the Command’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for cult-related violence and insecurity in the state.
The Police spokesman appealed to residents of Oyo State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crimes before they occur.
One of the suspects named Adedapo Victor, who spoke with journalists during the parade, claimed he was arrested after responding to a phone call from a friend who invited him to the police station.
The suspect, however, admitted to being a member of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity and further confessed that he currently serves as one of the leaders of the group.
Another suspect named julius Oladele,Despite admitting his membership and leadership role, he denied participating in killings or any violent criminal activities, insisting that he had never been involved in causing harm to anyone.
The Oyo State Police Command says investigations are ongoing, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.