The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of a human parts syndicate following months of intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring of their activities.

The suspects were arrested at their various hideouts in Iseyin and Saki areas of the state by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the operation followed sustained intelligence efforts by the command.

The suspects were identified as Adam Ibrahim, 42; Nasiru Kabiru, 22; Tijani Wasiu, 54; Abiola Nasiru, 45; Amusa Gbadamosi, 57; Raheem Taofeek, 46; Jimoh Muritala, 35; Suleiman Busari, 47; Ganiyu Nurudeen, 36; and Usman Abdullahi, 52.

According to the statement, searches conducted at the suspects’ hideouts led to the recovery of several suspected human parts, including a suspected human heart, human flesh, pieces of human skull and assorted charms.

The Police said the recovered exhibits had been secured for forensic examination as investigation into the activities of the suspects continued.

The command said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects had confessed to their alleged involvement in dealing in human parts for various ritual purposes.

It added that the suspects were assisting investigators in establishing the source, procurement and intended use of the recovered human parts.

The Police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for the intelligence-led operation.

Olugbenga assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and ridding the state of criminal elements.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the Police in preventing and detecting criminal activities across the state.