The Ogun State Police Command has arrested four suspects and recovered four firearms alongside 17 cartridges in a series of intelligence-led operations across Mowe, Sagamu and Odeda, in a renewed crackdown on cultism and illegal arms possession.
The operations, carried out between April 14 and April 18, 2026, also led to the arrest of a suspected cultist and the apprehension of a vigilante member linked to an accidental shooting that left three persons injured.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the successes were recorded through “sustained intelligence-driven and proactive policing strategies” aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
In Mowe, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested a 36-year-old suspect, Opeyemi Anuoluwapo, at about 4:30 p.m. on April 14 near Mowe Bus Stop. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a single-barrelled locally made pistol, an expended cartridge and charms concealed in his bag.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity,” Babaseyi stated.
Similarly, operatives of the Quick Response Squad, QRS, on April 17 intercepted a motorcyclist, Asaye Ajibola, 30, during a stop-and-search operation along the Sagamu/Ogijo Road. A locally made single-barrel gun loaded with nine cartridges was recovered from him.
Babaseyi said the suspect “could not provide a satisfactory account of the firearm” and was immediately taken into custody.
In a related operation on April 18 at the same axis, another suspect, Adedeji Olufemi, 49, was arrested with a locally made double-barrel gun and eight cartridges after being intercepted while riding a motorcycle.
The police also reported a shooting incident at the Sawmill area of Osiele in Odeda Local Government Area on the same day, involving a local vigilante member, Mutiu Sadiku.
According to the statement, the suspect allegedly discharged a firearm accidentally while returning from the farm, injuring three persons.
“The victims were promptly taken to medical facilities, where they received treatment and are currently in stable condition, responding well to treatment,” Babaseyi said, adding that the suspect had been apprehended and the firearm recovered in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps.
All suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCIID, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers for their professionalism and reiterated the command’s resolve to sustain the crackdown on cultism and illegal arms.
“The Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations against unlawful possession of firearms, cultism and other violent crimes,” he said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines.
