Police Arrest 16 Suspected Cultists at Ibadan Polytechnic, Recover Firearms
Korede Abdullah 
IBADAN, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has arrested 16 students over alleged cult activities at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, seizing firearms and other weapons during a targeted security operation.
Police on Wednesday said the suspects—14 males and two females—were apprehended following intelligence reports that members of the Aiye Confraternity were planning a meeting within the campus.
Among those arrested were individuals previously placed on a police watchlist for alleged links to murder and cult-related violence across the state, according to Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade.
Recovered items include two locally fabricated guns, two pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes and assorted charms.
“Following credible intelligence… a coordinated operation was carried out to forestall any potential breach of peace,” Ayanlade said, noting that the state Commissioner of Police led the operation after securing approval from school authorities.
Preliminary investigations indicate that some suspects may be connected to wider criminal networks, with police launching further efforts to apprehend fleeing accomplices.
The police command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism and ensuring safety within educational institutions, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over cult-related violence in Nigerian tertiary institutions, where rival groups have been linked to deadly clashes in recent years.
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