Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have apprehended 24 suspected members of the notorious Aiye confraternity during an initiation ceremony held in a bush in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Council of the state.

The operation was carried out by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad from Akure, which disrupted what authorities described as a major security threat.

The spokesperson for the command, AbayomiJimoh, said the suspects, all males, allegedly gathered from different locations within and outside the state for the initiation of new members and a secret cult meeting.

Items recovered during the raid included two berets bearing the insignia of the Aiye confraternity, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and several mobile phones believed to be useful for further investigation.

imoh said the Commissioner of Police in the state, AdebowaleLawal, had earlier warned criminal elements involved in cult-related activities to desist, stressing that the command remained resolute in identifying, tracking, and prosecuting individuals whose actions threaten public peace and security.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Akure, swung into action on Saturday, May 10, 2026, leading to the successful interception and arrest of the suspects,” he stated.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly converged from different parts of the state and beyond for initiation rites and a secret cult meeting held in a secluded bush within Ile-Oluji town.

Lawal commended the operatives for their swift response, professionalism, and dedication to duty. He reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy, and other violent crimes capable of undermining the safety of residents in the state.

The Ondo State Police Command assured the public that investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network and bring all culpable persons to justice.

Jimoh also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information as the command intensified efforts to ensure lasting peace and security across the state.
Similarly, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old man, AbdullahiGambo, over alleged armed robbery and causing grievous harm to a commercial motorcyclist in Ningi Local Council of the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on May 11, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. along the GadaMaiwa–Zakara Road in Ningi.
Police spokesperson, NafiuHabib, said the suspect, a resident of Kanaka Village in Ganjuwa Local Government Area, allegedly attacked an Okada rider with a stick, striking him on the head during the operation.

The victim reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries and was rushed to a medical facility, where he is currently responding to treatment.

Police said the suspect fled with the victim’s motorcycle after the attack but was later pursued and arrested by operatives attached to the Ningi Division with support from local residents. “The stolen motorcycle was recovered immediately after the arrest,” the statement added.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the crime and is currently in police custody assisting investigators. The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the attack and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across Bauchi State.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies for prompt response.