Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 30 suspected cultists and recovered four vehicles after disrupting an alleged cult initiation procession in Isara-Remo, Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in collaboration with personnel from the Isara Area Command and Isara Division, followed intelligence reports of an unlawful gathering allegedly linked to cult activities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation took place on June 16, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. after security operatives received credible intelligence that a group of suspected hoodlums had assembled at an uncompleted building in Isara-Remo.
Police said the gathering allegedly involved meetings, consumption of alcoholic beverages, chanting, and attempts to initiate new members into a cult group.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the VCRU mobilised a joint team comprising operatives from the unit, Isara Area Command, and Isara Division. The officers reportedly stormed the location, dispersed the gathering, and arrested 30 male suspects during the operation.
The police identified the suspects as Muiz Olawale, Adeniji Akinwale, Ajayi Victor, Damilola Oluwasegun, Adewale Olayemi, Aminu Rahmon, Olodudu Ademola, Matthew Imoleayo, Adenle Habeb, Lekan Qudus, Olamilekan Ayanleke, Adegbasa Ezekiel, Ibukun Adeniyi, Abiodun Babatunde, Oshofolahan Michael, Salau Adedeji, Benjamin Kehinde, Magnus Elijah, Oluwadamilare Samson, Oyebowale Ojutona, Abiodun Makanjuola, Idowu Toheeb, Olamide Sunday, Malik Also, Abdullahi Damilola, Israel Ayomikun, Oyeledun Ezekiel, Adelabu Imoleayo, Ajayi Oluwasegun, and Olaawun Faith.
During the operation, officers recovered four vehicles allegedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. Other items recovered at the scene included a jack knife, a local drum, a “sekere” (traditional rattle), and bottles suspected to have been used for alcohol consumption during the gathering.
Police authorities stated that the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abeokuta for further investigation.
The command noted that the suspects remain under investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries. It added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals who allegedly escaped during the raid.
Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved for what he described as their professionalism, discipline, and swift response to intelligence.
He said the operation reflected the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to combat cultism, violent crime, and other forms of criminality across Ogun State.
Ojajuni reiterated that the police would not tolerate cult-related activities or unlawful assemblies in any part of the state and warned individuals involved in such activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and public safety.
Cult-related violence has remained a recurring security concern in several parts of Nigeria, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations against suspected cult groups and their activities.
The Ogun State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining efforts to curb criminal activities throughout the state.
