Police in Kwara arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally made pistol during a joint security operation in Ilorin as investigations continue.
The Kwara State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism and illegal possession of firearms with the arrest of a suspected cult member during a coordinated security operation in Ilorin, the state capital.
The operation, which also led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, is being described by security authorities as another significant step in efforts to improve public safety and dismantle criminal groups operating within the state.
According to the police, the suspect, identified as Agboola Olamilekan, was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation jointly carried out by officers of the Kwara State Police Command, other security agencies, and the Kwara State Polytechnic Security Unit.
The operation followed credible intelligence suggesting the presence of individuals allegedly linked to cult-related activities in parts of Ilorin.
Security operatives disclosed that a locally made pistol was recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
The firearm has since been taken into police custody and will serve as part of the evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities believe the arrest represents more than the apprehension of a single suspect. Investigators are now working to uncover possible links between the suspect and a wider network believed to be involved in cult-related crimes and the circulation of illegal firearms within the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Kwara State Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the successful operation reflects the command’s continued determination to prevent criminal activities through proactive security measures and intelligence gathering.
She explained that the police have adopted a strategy that focuses on identifying potential threats before they escalate, rather than waiting for crimes to occur.
According to her, the latest operation is part of a sustained effort to disrupt cult activities, reduce the spread of illegal weapons, and ensure that criminal elements do not find safe spaces to operate anywhere in Kwara State.
The police spokesperson noted that investigations have already been expanded to identify other individuals who may have connections with the arrested suspect.
She stated that detectives are following several leads and expressed confidence that additional arrests could be made if the ongoing investigation uncovers further evidence.
Ejire-Adeyemi assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
She encouraged members of the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.
She further reassured residents that the police would continue carrying out intelligence-based operations aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring that anyone found engaging in criminal activities is brought before the law.
Reacting to the latest development, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the current operational momentum against cultism, illegal possession of firearms, armed violence, and other forms of criminality.
The commissioner described every successful security operation as an important milestone in the broader effort to dismantle organised criminal groups and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.
He stated that the police would continue collaborating with sister security agencies, educational institutions, local communities, and other stakeholders to improve intelligence sharing and enhance crime prevention across the state.
Adekimi also reiterated that the Kwara State Police Command remains committed to advancing the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, by prioritising intelligence-led policing, strategic partnerships, and sustained operational activities designed to safeguard residents.
Security experts have repeatedly stressed that collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public remains essential in tackling cultism, illegal arms possession, and other organised crimes.
While arrests such as this are considered positive developments, authorities maintain that continuous surveillance, timely intelligence, and community support are necessary to prevent criminal groups from regrouping.
The Kwara State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their communities.
The command assured the public that ongoing security operations will continue across the state as part of efforts to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for criminal acts face justice in accordance with the law.
