The Kwara State Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally fabricated pistol during a joint security operation in Ilorin as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle violent criminal networks and curb cult-related activities across the state.

The suspect, Agboola Olamilekan, was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by police operatives in collaboration with other security agencies and the Kwara State Polytechnic Security Unit. According to the police, the suspect was found in possession of the locally fabricated firearm at the time of his arrest.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, described the operation as another breakthrough in the command's sustained campaign against cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms. She said the operation forms part of the command's proactive and intelligence-led strategy to deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the state.

Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network, assuring residents that the police would continue intensifying efforts to ensure those threatening public peace are brought to justice.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi, reaffirmed the command's commitment to sustaining its crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes, stressing that every successful operation brings the police closer to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing public safety across Kwara State.

The command added that it remains committed to the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, through intelligence-led policing, strategic partnerships and sustained operations aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.