Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, working alongside the National Forest Guard, have arrested 13 suspected cultists, street thugs and drug peddlers during a coordinated intelligence-led raid at Tanke Junction in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital in North-Central Nigeria.
The operation targeted hoodlums allegedly operating under the cover of commercial motorcycle activities, following growing concerns over criminal activities and insecurity within the area.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo.
According to the statement, the suspects were allegedly involved in cultism, street violence, drug trafficking and other criminal acts threatening public peace and security in the Ilorin metropolis.
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The police further disclosed that popular Tanke Junction had gradually become a notorious criminal hotspot where youths were allegedly recruited into unlawful groups, residents intimidated and criminal activities coordinated. During the raid, operatives recovered 24 motorcycles, including five unregistered ones, alongside suspected hard drugs believed to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “ice”, Colorado and tramadol.
The Command added that efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and dismantle the criminal network, while the suspects currently in custody will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
