The Zone 2 Police Command has arrested 20 suspects in connection with the killing of a police officer and a series of cult-related attacks in the Ilesi community near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Zonal Police PRO, CSP Ayuba Tunni Umma, said in a statement on Tuesday that the arrests followed a coordinated operation by the Zonal Dragon Squad.
The operation was launched after suspected members of the Neo Black Movement (Aye Fraternity) invaded the community on November 29 in retaliation for an earlier assault on one of their members.
According to police, the gang opened fire when a resident police officer and others attempted to intervene.
The officer was killed, two civilians were injured, and the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it.
Acting on intelligence, operatives raided the group’s hideout in the Ogbere area around midnight on December 1, arresting 20 suspects linked to the killing, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.
Police recovered a Nissan Micra car, locally made pistols, two short guns, 29 live cartridges, 19 phones, ₦72,000 in cash, jewellery and ATM cards.
One additional suspect is still at large and is believed to be holding the officer’s amputated hand.
AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the Zone 2 Commander, urged residents to report suspicious activity and assured that all arrested suspects will face prosecution.
