Police Arrest Suspected Cultist, Recover Illegal Firearm in Kwara Security Operation

Police in Kwara State have arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally made firearm during a coordinated security operation aimed at tackling cult-related crimes in Ilorin.

The suspect, identified as Agboola Olamilekan, was apprehended during a joint operation involving operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, other security agencies, and the Kwara State Polytechnic Security Unit.

Confirming the arrest on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said officers recovered a locally fabricated firearm from the suspect at the time of his arrest.

She explained that the operation is part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on cultism, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities across the state.

“The operation, carried out by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies and the Kwara State Polytechnic Security Unit, led to the arrest of Agboola Olamilekan, a suspected cultist, who was found in possession of the locally fabricated firearm.

“The operation forms part of the command’s sustained efforts to disrupt cult-related activities, curb the proliferation of illegal firearms, and deny criminal elements the opportunity to thrive within Kwara State,” the statement said.

Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the offensive against cultism and other violent crimes, stressing that intelligence-led operations remain central to improving security across the state.

He noted that every successful operation weakens criminal networks and strengthens public safety, adding that investigators are working to identify and arrest other suspected members of the gang linked to Olamilekan.

The commissioner also reiterated the command’s commitment to advancing the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through intelligence-driven policing, strategic partnerships, and continuous operations targeting criminal groups across Kwara State.