The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in what authorities described as a major operation aimed at tackling cult-related activities in the state.
The suspects, made up of 14 males and two females, were apprehended within and around the premises of The Polytechnic Ibadan. Police said the arrests were carried out following intelligence reports that the group was planning a meeting linked to cult activities.
The development was made known in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, on behalf of the command. According to him, the suspects are believed to be members of the notorious Aiye confraternity, a group often linked to violent cult clashes in parts of Nigeria.
Ayanlade said the operation was carefully planned and executed to prevent possible violence and ensure the safety of students and staff of the institution. He noted that officers moved in on the suspects at the meeting point before they could carry out their plans.
“During the course of the operation, a total of sixteen suspects comprising fourteen males and two females were arrested at and around the venue,” he said.
He added that preliminary investigations have shown that some of the suspects were already on the police watchlist for their alleged involvement in previous criminal activities, including murder cases and cult-related violence within Oyo State.
Items believed to be linked to cult activities were also recovered from the suspects, although the police did not immediately provide details of the exhibits. Authorities say these items will form part of the ongoing investigation.
Cultism has remained a serious concern in many tertiary institutions across Nigeria. Groups such as the Aiye confraternity, also known as the Black Axe, have been associated with violent clashes, intimidation, and other criminal acts both on and off campuses. Over the years, security agencies and school authorities have made repeated efforts to curb the menace, but incidents still occur.
In Oyo State, there have been several reports of cult-related killings and clashes, particularly involving rival groups. These incidents have raised concerns among residents, parents, and education stakeholders, who continue to call for stronger action to protect students and restore safety in learning environments.
Police authorities say the latest arrest is part of a broader strategy to clamp down on criminal networks operating within schools and communities. The command has stepped up surveillance and intelligence gathering to identify and disrupt such groups before they carry out violent acts.
Ayanlade assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that those found guilty will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. He also called on members of the public to support the police by providing useful information that could help in tackling crime.
“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” he said.
The management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. However, sources within the institution say there has been growing concern over the presence of cult groups around the campus, especially in nearby communities.
Students who spoke on condition of anonymity expressed mixed reactions to the arrests. While some welcomed the police action and said it would help improve safety, others called for more preventive measures, including awareness campaigns and stricter monitoring within the school.
In recent years, the Nigerian government and security agencies have intensified efforts to combat cultism, especially in higher institutions. Campaigns have been launched to discourage students from joining secret societies, while some schools have introduced stricter disciplinary measures.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including peer pressure, unemployment, and the influence of criminal networks that target young people. Analysts believe that tackling these root causes is key to finding a lasting solution to the problem.
For now, the arrest of the 16 suspects is seen as a positive step in the fight against cultism in Oyo State. Residents and stakeholders are hopeful that sustained efforts by the police will help reduce crime and create a safer environment for students and the general public.
As investigations continue, the suspects are expected to face further questioning, and more arrests could follow if additional links are uncovered. The police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all leads and ensuring that justice is served.