Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected cultists, drug peddlers and street thugs allegedly operating under the guise of commercial motorcyclists in Ilorin, the state capital.

The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid carried out at Tanke Junction by policemen in collaboration with members of the National Forest Guard.

Their arrest followed intelligence reports on criminal activities within the area, it was gathered.

The suspects were allegedly linked to cult-related violence, illicit drug trafficking and other activities considered threats to public peace and security in the Ilorin metropolis.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident on Friday.

She said 24 motorcycles, including five said to be unregistered were recovered from the suspect.

“Various substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, crystal methamphetamine popularly known as “ice,” Colorado, tramadol and other hard drugs were also recovered from the suspects.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the location had allegedly become a convergence point for drug peddling, recruitment of youths into unlawful groups, intimidation of residents and planning of criminal activities within Ilorin and adjoining areas.

“Tanke Junction is a notorious black spot that has repeatedly featured in security concerns across the state capital. But efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices and dismantle the wider criminal network connected to the suspects”, she said.

According to her, “The suspects currently in custody will be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations,” the statement said.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against cultism, drug trafficking and violent crimes across Kwara State. (Weekend Trust, but headline rejigged)