The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members and recovered a locally made pistol and live ammunition in a renewed crackdown on cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the state.

The suspects, identified as Oparemi Kabiru, popularly known as “Ikebe”, and Fasasi Taofeek, alias “Bufalo”, were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Oyo Base, during an intelligence-led operation in Oke-Apo area of Oyo town.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement made available to journalists, the suspects were arrested on June 17 following credible intelligence linking them and their associates to activities threatening public peace and security in Oyo town and neighbouring communities.

The police said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol and two live cartridges.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are alleged members of the Eiye Supremo Confraternity and had confessed to participating in several violent criminal activities within Oyo town and its environs.

The Command described the arrest as another major breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat cultism, violent crimes and other forms of criminality across the state.
It noted that the operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and highlighted the importance of timely and actionable information from members of the public in the fight against crime.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji, restated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven anywhere in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with credible information capable of preventing crimes and aiding the arrest of offenders.

According to him, security remains a collective responsibility that requires active collaboration between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
The police commissioner also urged residents to embrace the “See Something, Say Something” principle, noting that prompt reporting of suspicious movements, individuals and activities would enhance proactive policing and crime prevention efforts.

Ayodeji assured citizens that all information supplied to the police would be treated with utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
He stated that the Command remains strategically positioned and adequately equipped to respond swiftly to security threats and sustain the current peace being enjoyed across the state.

The police said investigations are ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The Command reiterated its determination to rid Oyo State of cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities.