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The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of ten suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for cases of cultism, kidnapping, and violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, disclosed this on Monday during a media briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
According to Gotan, the operation was launched following credible intelligence received around 12:45 a.m. on October 25, 2025, indicating that armed men were shooting sporadically and causing panic at Minnea Polis Lounge, Moro, in Ife North Local Government Area, near the Foreign Links Campus.
Responding swiftly, operatives from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) stormed the scene and engaged the suspects in a brief exchange of gunfire, successfully dispersing the attackers without casualties.
A subsequent mop-up operation led to the arrest of ten suspects and the recovery of a cache of weapons, vehicles, and motorcycles.
Items recovered included two English pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, a single-barrel gun, fifteen live cartridges, and several spent shells.
Also seized were three Lexus cars (two unregistered and one with registration number LND 392 JZ), one Lexus ES 330 (EPE 313 JL), two unregistered Toyota Camry cars, and ten motorcycles.
The suspects in custody were identified as Adebayo Olalekan (27), Hammed Abdullah (47), Olajide Opeyemi (34), Olushola Samson (24), Salako Opeyemi (20), Majekodunmi Shefiu (32), Ganiyu Yusuf (24), Ridwan Temitope (25), Taofeek Yusuf (25), and Babafemi Adelowo (28).
Gotan noted that the lounge had become a notorious hideout for criminal elements, adding that the proprietor of the establishment had fled the area but was being trailed by the police.
In a separate operation on the same day, officers of the Command’s Anti-Thuggery Unit arrested one Lekan Jamiu (22) at Oja Oba, Osogbo.
A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally made pistol, four live cartridges, twelve 9mm rounds, quantities of suspected cannabis, and charms.
Preliminary investigations linked Jamiu to a gang known for violent activities within Osogbo metropolis.
He remains in custody and will be prosecuted alongside other suspects after investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner commended the professionalism of the operatives involved and lauded residents for their cooperation.
“The Osun State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to rid the state of criminal elements and guarantee the safety of lives and property,” Gotan said.
He subsequently urges the public to continue sharing credible information to help sustain peace and security across the state.
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