CP Ibrahim Zungura orders intensified crackdown on criminal hideouts ahead of 2027 elections.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested 14 suspects in a series of security operations across the state, recovering firearms and other dangerous items in an intensified crackdown on criminal activities.
The arrests, according to the Command, form part of ongoing efforts to rid Osun of criminal elements, strengthen public safety and prevent security threats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Zungura.
The Command said CP Zungura had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical teams to intensify intelligence-led raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across their respective areas of responsibility.
The directive, it added, followed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu,’s security mandate to ensure a safe environment, particularly as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
Police Raid Criminal Hideouts in Seven Locations
According to the statement, police operatives conducted coordinated raids on October 25, 2026, targeting suspected criminal hideouts and black spots in Ode-Oga, Gbonmi, Popo, Isale-Aro, Oja-Oba, Allie and Orisunmibare.
Several individuals were apprehended during the operation and taken through profiling and screening to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities.
The police said preliminary investigations allegedly linked some of the suspects to offences including extortion, thuggery, illicit drug-related activities and other conduct capable of causing fear and insecurity among residents.
The Command further disclosed that the suspects retained for investigation had been charged before a competent court.
Two Suspected Cultists Arrested After Ede Clash
In a related development, the police arrested two suspected cult members following a violent confrontation involving suspected rival cult groups at Laoye Street, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, October 19, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., after detectives received a distress call reporting that suspected cultists were attacking one another and firing gunshots indiscriminately.
The gunfire reportedly caused panic in the neighbourhood and raised concerns about the safety of residents.
The Command said officers who responded to the emergency were ambushed by suspected armed cultists, who allegedly opened fire on the police team.
Despite the attack, the operatives reportedly succeeded in arresting Salaudeen Mujib, who was allegedly found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size firearm.
The suspect sustained a minor gunshot injury to his right thigh during the encounter and was subsequently given medical attention.
During interrogation, Salaudeen reportedly admitted membership of the Aye cult group.
Further police operations in the cordoned-off area led to the arrest of another suspect, Olaposi Afeez. Officers also recovered a yellow battle axe and some local charms from him.
The police said Afeez equally confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity.
The Command added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected cult groups and recover any additional weapons in their possession.
CP Zungura Warns Cultists, Criminal Elements
Reacting to the arrests, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes across Osun State.
He warned individuals and groups involved in cult-related activities to abandon criminal conduct, stressing that the police would not tolerate actions capable of endangering lives or disrupting public peace.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy available resources and intelligence to identify and bring suspected perpetrators of criminal activities to justice.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and criminal activities to the nearest police station or through established police emergency channels.
The Osun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and security throughout the state.
Signed:
DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Osun State Police Command, Osogbo
October 30, 2026
