The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 22 suspected armed cultists during a midnight raid at the Hillton Hotel in Osiele, under the Odeda Police Division, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, a total of twenty-two suspects were apprehended during the operation.

Among those arrested were two soldiers, nineteen male suspects, and three female suspects.

The operation, the police said, which took place on Friday, was carried out following actionable intelligence on the gathering of suspected cult members.

The PPRO said a joint police team comprising officers from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and the SWAT team, led by Superintendent of Police (SP) Adejoh Israel, stormed the hotel targeting individuals believed to be affiliated with the notorious Aiye confraternity.

Police recovered one cut-to-size locally fabricated firearm, a UTC-branded axe, and several blue berets, items commonly linked to cult-related activities.

The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Anti-Cultism Unit at Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation, CSP Odutola said.

“The Command remains steadfast in its efforts to rid the state of cultism and other forms of violent crime,” CSP Odutola stated, urging members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist ongoing operations.

The police assured residents that it will continue to intensify efforts to ensure the safety and security of all communities across the state.