The police command in Ogun has arrested 30 suspected cult members during an initiation rite in Isara-Remo, recovering four vehicles and other exhibits.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, in a statement on Thursday in Abeokuta, said that operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Isara area command and Isara division, carried out the operation on Tuesday.

He said that the operation followed credible intelligence that suspected cultists had gathered in an uncompleted building for an unlawful meeting and initiation activities.

Mr Babaseyi said that the suspects were found drinking alcohol, chanting and engaging in activities allegedly linked to cult initiation when the police team stormed the location.

According to him, upon sighting the operatives, the gathering broke up, with some taking to their heels, but 30 male suspects were arrested in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

Mr Babaseyi said that four vehicles abandoned during the suspects’ attempted escape were recovered from the scene.

He added that one jackknife, a local drum, and bottles suspected to have contained alcoholic drinks were also recovered.

The police spokesperson said the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Abeokuta for further investigation.

He said that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations were concluded, while efforts continue to arrest other fleeing suspects.

Mr Babaseyi said that the police commissioner, Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response.

(NAN)