A major police operation in Ondo State has led to the arrest of 24 suspected cult members allegedly gathered for an initiation ceremony inside a forest in Ile-Oluji.
The suspects, believed to be members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity, were rounded up during a raid carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad attached to the Ondo State Police Command.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the arrests were made on Saturday, May 10, 2026, after security operatives acted on intelligence reports about a secret cult gathering in a secluded bush area within Ile-Oluji.
Police said the operation formed part of an ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the State.
“The Ondo State Police Command has recorded another major operational success in its sustained offensive against cultism and other violent crimes across the State, following the arrest of twenty-four suspected members of the dreaded Aiye Confraternity during a planned initiation and unlawful gathering in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State,” the statement said.
Investigators disclosed that all 24 suspects were male and allegedly travelled from different parts of Ondo State and neighbouring areas to participate in the gathering.
The Command said officers stormed the location “professionally and without incident,” preventing what it described as a possible threat to public peace and security.
Items recovered from the suspects included two caps bearing the insignia of the Aiye confraternity, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and several mobile phones believed to contain useful information for the investigation.
DSP Jimoh linked the success of the operation to the policing strategy introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, praising his emphasis on intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, also commended the operatives for their swift action and professionalism during the raid.
Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, criminal conspiracy and other violent crimes, warning that anyone involved in activities capable of disrupting public order would be tracked down and prosecuted.
