The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists during a targeted operation at The Polytechnic Ibadan, foiling what authorities described as a planned gathering of members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence indicating that the group intended to hold a critical meeting within the institution’s premises. Acting on the information, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, led a coordinated team of operatives to the identified location after securing approval from the school authorities.
Police said the raid was executed with precision, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects—14 males and two females—at and around the alleged meeting point, described as a temple within the campus. Preliminary investigations revealed that some of those apprehended were already on the Command’s watchlist for alleged involvement in murder cases and cult-related violence across the state.
Items recovered during the operation include two locally made cut-to-size guns, two English pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes, and assorted charms, underscoring what authorities described as the violent potential of the group.
In a statement, the Command said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspects’ activities and to track down other fleeing accomplices linked to the network.
Reaffirming the police’s stance, Olugbenga emphasized the Command’s resolve to tackle cultism and related crimes. He said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety across Oyo State, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.
