April 15, (THEWILL) — The Ondo State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related violence with a coordinated raid on suspected Aiye and Eiye cult networks, leading to the arrest of two suspects, the dismantling of a hideout, and the recovery of a locally made firearm in Ondo Town.
In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, DSP ABAYOMI JIMOH, said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS), Akure, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, as part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to curb cultism and restore public safety across the state.
According to the Command, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence supplied by the Ondo End Miscreant Group, which had been monitoring activities of suspected cult elements linked to recent violent disturbances in parts of Ondo Town.
The suspects were arrested on April 11, following a targeted operation in Ondo Town. Preliminary investigations indicated that they are allegedly affiliated with rival cult groups identified as the Aiye and Eiye confraternities, which have been involved in recurring violent clashes in the area.
Police further disclosed that the suspects were connected to a cult-related confrontation that occurred on April 9, 2026, within the premises of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, where rival groups allegedly engaged in a violent clash that disrupted academic activities and threatened public peace.
The arrested suspects, identified as Nnamdi Sunday ‘M’ and Adegbuyi Seyi ‘M’, reportedly cooperated with investigators and subsequently led operatives to a suspected cult hideout located at Oka Garage area of Ondo Town.
A follow-up search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of one locally made English pistol, believed to have been used in furtherance of cult-related activities and violent operations within the area.
The Command stated that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the network and dismantle remaining cells, as well as recover additional weapons suspected to be in circulation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against cultism and violent crime, stressing that perpetrators will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also commended the timely intelligence provided by the Ondo End Miscreant Group, describing community partnership as a critical pillar in modern policing and crime prevention strategies.
The Commissioner further expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+), NPM, for his continued support, strategic leadership, and operational guidance, noting that such backing has strengthened the Command’s recent successes in crime suppression.
The Police assured residents of Ondo State of their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging members of the public to continue providing useful intelligence to security agencies.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities through official police communication channels.
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