The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of 24 suspects allegedly linked to cult-related killings, political thuggery and other violent crimes across the state.

Addressing journalists on Monday at the police command headquarters in Osogbo, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace ahead of the governorship and general elections.

CP Gotan, said the Command was fully aware of the recent cult-related killings and acts of thuggery recorded in parts of the state, noting that some of the incidents had been given political undertones. He added that intensified police operations had resulted in the arrest of several suspects believed to be connected with the crimes.

He added that the briefing was aimed at keeping the public informed about the Command’s sustained efforts to combat cultism, political violence and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Command had arrested 24 suspects during separate operations, identifying them as “Kareem Saheed, also known as “Tanfiani”; Oyeladun Muideen, also known as “Akilapa”; Ridwan Adekola; Mukaila Azeez, also known as “Mikki”; Sunday Friday, also known as “Akube”; Olamilekan Fatai; Tiamiyu Ismail; Famuyiwa Adekunle Toib; and Ajiboye Toheed.”

Others arrested, according to the police, are Morufu Sodiq, Folorunsho Moshood, Hassan Sodiq, Badiru Saheed, Adegoke Olalekan, Faruk Olawale, Iyanuoluwa Sarumi, Afolabi Ahmed, Adeshina Lukman, Mutiu Opeyemi, Olushola Daniel, Abiola Olabode, Azeez Abiodun, Babatunde Kehinde and Dada Mayowa.”

Gotan said the arrests reflected the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and restore confidence among residents, adding that investigations into the suspects’ alleged involvement in violent crimes were continuing.

“I want to reiterate the Command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the forthcoming elections,” the Commissioner said.

Warning cultists, political thugs and other individuals planning to disrupt public peace to abandon such activities or face the full wrath of the law, he stressed that the police would not tolerate acts capable of undermining security in the state.

The police chief also assured law-abiding residents that the Command would continue to prioritise their safety while remaining professional, neutral and non-partisan in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. 

He pledged that the rule of law would be upheld without fear or favour.

Two people were reportedly killed and five others, including a pregnant woman, abducted after suspected bandits attacked Rafin Ciyawa village in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

The incident was disclosed in a post shared on X on Monday by security analyst Bakatsine.

“Last night, gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Rafin Ciyawa village in Ningi LGA, Bauchi State, killing two people and abducting five others, including a pregnant woman and four men,” Bakatsine wrote.

He added: “Four residents were injured in the attack; two have been discharged from hospital, while two others remain under treatment in Bauchi after suffering gunshot wounds.”

Bakatsine also noted that local authorities had confirmed the incident and said appropriate measures were being taken in response.

The attack has left families of the abducted victims anxiously awaiting their return, particularly the pregnant woman among those taken by the assailants.

The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested a 50-year-old man over the alleged defilement of a nine-year-old girl in Bulkachuwa, Katagum Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Muhammadu Audu, is in custody as investigations continue.

According to the police, the incident was reported on June 15, 2026, after the girl’s father alleged that the suspect lured the child while she was hawking soya bean cake on June 14. The suspect allegedly took her to an uncompleted building, where he committed the offence.

The victim was taken to the Primary Health Care Centre in Bulkachuwa for medical examination and treatment.

The suspect was also reported to have confessed during interrogation and allegedly admitted to threatening the child with a knife if she told her parents.

Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu condemned the incident and ordered a thorough investigation, stating that the command has zero tolerance for sexual violence and crimes against children.

“The Bauchi State Police Command will ensure that this case is diligently investigated and prosecuted,” he said. 

Police spokesperson SP Nafiu Habib said the suspect is expected to face prosecution upon completion of investigations.