The police command in Oyo state says it has arrested 16 suspected cultists at the Polytechnic, Ibadan, and recovered dangerous weapons.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Olayinka said the alleged cultists, belonging to Aiye Confraternity, were arrested on the school’s premises while holding a meeting that could have led to a breach of peace.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abimbola Olugbenga, personally led a team of operatives to the identified location of their meeting after getting approval from the school authorities.

According to him, the operation was executed with precision and professionalism.

“During the course of the operation, a total of 16 suspects, comprising 14 males and two females, were arrested at and around the venue.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that some of the suspects had been on the command’s watchlist for their alleged involvement in a series of murder cases and cult-related activities within the state,” the police alleged.

The statement listed the items recovered from the suspects to include two locally made cut-to-size guns, two English pistols, 16 live cartridges, four axes and assorted charms.

He said that the investigation was ongoing to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ activities and  apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

(NAN)