The Osun State Police Command has apprehended three suspected cultists and political thugs, recovering firearms, ammunition, charms and other weapons during operations across the state.

According to a statement Tuesday by Police PRO DSP Abiodun Ojelabi for CP Ibrahim Gotan, the arrests followed a stop-and-search operation by Ikirun Area Command patrol officers on May 22, 2026 at about 10:00am.

The first suspect, 27-year-old Adekola Olayinka Abdulazeez, was stopped while riding an unregistered motorcycle. Officers found two English Beretta pistols, an axe and charms on him during a search.

Under questioning at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Abdulazeez allegedly admitted he was an Eiye Confraternity member. He told detectives he was transporting the weapons to deliver to another member, 28-year-old Omolara Ezekiel, before his arrest.

Detectives tracked down Ezekiel and 32-year-old Babatunde Azeez, arresting them as accomplices. Further searches yielded additional weapons.

Items recovered in total: three English Beretta pistols, one live round of ammunition, one cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, four cutlasses and three axes.

Police said the operation is part of efforts to keep Osun safe for law-abiding residents and prevent criminal elements from using the state as a hideout. All suspects will be charged after investigations.

Sources: Osun State Police Command via Punch, ThisDay, Sahara Reporters, statement by DSP Abiodun Ojelabi