The Kwara State Police Command at the weekend paraded 18 suspects in connection with recent cases of armed robbery attacks, cult-related activities and kidnapping in Ilorin, the state capital and other parts of the state.

Among those paraded were two suspects who were arrested over the killing of one Usman Dileko in a Fulani camp in the state.

Parading the suspects, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salihu Garuba, said the harvest of arrests was a fulfilment of  his promise to rid the state of crimes and secure lives and property.

Among those arrested was a member of a gang that specializes in terrorizing Fulani herdsmen in Oke Ode in Ifelodun Local Government.

According to the commissioner, the gang, notorious for cattle rustling, also started kidnapping Fulanis and using them as bait to steal their cattle.

He said nemesis caught up with the gang on June 26,when they kidnapped one Bature Haruna, who they directed to lead them to the residence of their target. The commissioner added that they were however resisted and overpowered by some Fulanis who engaged them, leading to the arrest of a member of the gang.   

He said the command succeeded in smashing a five-man robbery gang recently tormenting Kwara residents at gun point and robbing their victims, especially car owners.

The CP stated further that on July 1, four suspected cultists who were members of Alura Secret Cult fraternity in Lagos were arrested at Sango area of Ilorin by police officers on patrol. He said one Ghana manufactured triple barrel pistol, five live cartridges, one 0.9 mm life ammunition, among others were recovered from the suspects.

Another four suspects were arrested for robbing a house in Tanke, and carting away a Toyota Camry car, handsets and other valuables.

The police boss said investigations are ongoing on some of the cases while some of the suspects have been charged to court. He said the police would not relent in its determination to actualize a crime-free Kwara.