The Ondo State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists and recovered weapons, charms, and other incriminating items during a coordinated operation in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities of the state.
The arrests were made by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) during an intelligence-led raid carried out in the early hours of June 16, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the operation followed credible intelligence reports on the activities of suspected cult members within the affected communities.
The suspects arrested were identified as Damilare Kayode, 30; Adejoro Godwin, 30; Adedapo Ogunro, 36; Chisom Okechukwu, 21; Ademulegun Imisi, 26; and Odugunle Bukola, 21.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly linked to unlawful confraternities operating within the Akoko axis, an area where cult-related activities have continued to raise security concerns.
Items recovered from the suspects during a search included five battle axes, one jackknife, various charms, boots, yellow singlets, and face caps believed to be associated with cult groups.
The recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody and will form part of the ongoing investigation.
The command described the operation as a major success in its efforts to combat cultism and other violent crimes across the state. It added that intelligence gathered from the raid is being analysed to identify other suspected members and uncover the full scope of the group’s activities.
DSP Jimoh stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism and other forms of criminality in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, strategic raids, and visibility policing to deny criminal elements safe haven in the state.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid efforts aimed at maintaining law and order.