The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists during an intelligence-driven operation in parts of Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
The suspects were identified as Damilare Kayode (30), Adejoro Godwin (30), Adedapo Ogunro (36), Chisom Okechukwu (21), Ademulegun Imisi (26) and Odugunle Bukola (21).
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad carried out the arrests in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities following credible intelligence about suspected cult-related activities in the area.
“The command, in its ongoing campaign against cultism and other violent crimes, arrested six suspected cultists during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities in Akoko South-West LGA.
“The operation, which was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating the activities of suspected cult members within the affected areas. Acting on the information, operatives mobilised to identified locations where the suspects were apprehended”, the statement partly read.
The police said preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis, an issue that has continued to pose security concerns in the area.
Items recovered during the operation include five battle axes, one jackknife, assorted charms and confraternity-related items such as boots, yellow singlets and face caps.
According to the command, all recovered exhibits have been secured and will form part of the ongoing investigation.
The police added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The statement further noted that intelligence obtained from the operation is being analysed to identify other suspected members of the group and determine the full scope of their activities within and outside the affected communities.
