By Sodiq Adelakun
19 suspected cultists were apprehended by the police command in Ogun during a successful tactical operation, according to SP Omolola Odutola, the State Police Public Relations Officer.
In a statement released on Monday in Abeokuta, Odutola revealed that the operation, which took place on Sunday, resulted in the arrest of Ogunnibi Hammed, the leader of the Eiye Confraternity.
Hammed is notorious for his involvement in violent attacks against rival cult groups in the state.
The operation was carried out through a collaborative effort between the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the Anti-Cultism Unit (AKU), and the Obalende Division of the police force.
She added that the police acted on intercepted information, saying the operation targeted the suspected cultists who had been causing terror in various areas, including Odogbolu, Sagamu, Ijebu Ode and Ilishan areas of the state.
She stated that apart from Hammed, 18 other suspected cultists who were arrested had confessed to being active members of different cult groups.
The police spokeswoman explained that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Alamutu, had ordered an immediate investigation into the individuals apprehended.
“As the investigation progresses, the police will provide updates to the public regarding any relevant developments in this case,” he said.