Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with members of the National Forest Guard, have arrested 13 suspected cultists, thugs and drug peddlers.
This was during a coordinated raid carried out at Tanke Junction, Ilorin, following credible intelligence on the activities of hoodlums operating under the guise of commercial motorcyclists.
This was contained in a press release by SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ilorin on Friday.
The suspects were involved in cult-related activities, street violence, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal acts capable of disrupting public peace and safety within the area, which has over time gained notoriety as a criminal flashpoint within the Ilorin metropolis.
During the operation, 24 motorcycles were recovered, out of which five were unregistered.
Various suspected illicit substances reasonably believed to be cannabis sativa, “ice” (crystal methamphetamine), Colorado, tramadol and other hard drugs were also recovered from the suspects.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects used the location as a gathering point for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful societies, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal activities within Ilorin and its environs.
Efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing accomplices and dismantle the criminal network, while the suspects currently in custody will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
