As part of a disarmament drive spearheaded by Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, opposing cult groups known for their violent conflicts in Ondo City agreed to a truce and turned in their weapons, and the Ondo State Police Command mediated a peace agreement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olusola, stated that the development was a component of a strategic operation meant to reduce violent crime and restore peace in areas that had seen numerous attacks related to cults.
According to the statement, those who surrendered had been on the Command’s watchlist over their roles in cult-related activities.
Olusola disclosed that some of the repentant cultists expressed relief at stepping away from the lifestyle, explaining that fear of arrest had forced them to flee the state until the initiative provided a safe platform to return and reintegrate.
During the exercise, the Police recovered 17 arms and 12 rounds of ammunition, including locally fabricated weapons and Beretta pistols, marking a significant step towards reducing the proliferation of illegal firearms.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, earlier today led a strategic peace-building operation in Ondo City as part of the Command’s proactive policing strategy aimed at flushing out miscreants and ensuring that the state remains free from violent crimes and criminality. This initiative reflects the Command’s renewed commitment to strengthening community safety through inclusive and preventive approaches,” the statement read.“Building on this commitment, the Commissioner of Police—accompanied by the Area Commander and well-meaning members of the Ondo Ekimogun Youths under the “End Miscreants in Ondo” initiative—supervised the voluntary laying-down of arms by repentant cultists who openly renounced their membership of various cult groups. This collaborative engagement underscores the crucial role of community partnerships in addressing long-standing security concerns.“Significantly, those who surrendered included known faces and individuals who had long been on the Command’s trail, many of whom were previously documented on the Command’s watchlist for their roles in cult-related activities.“Their decision to come forward reinforces the growing acceptance of the Command’s peace-driven approach and demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness in dismantling entrenched cult networks.
“In furtherance of these peace-building efforts, the Command also successfully mediated between two rival cult groups/camps, who had long been at loggerheads and were believed to be responsible for the violent clashes earlier in the year that tragically claimed eight lives.
“This mediation, which culminated in both camps embracing one another, represents a major step toward sustainable reconciliation and an end to recurring cycles of reprisal attacks.
“The impact of the initiative was further highlighted by the testimonies of some repentant cultists, who expressed deep relief and satisfaction at finally being free from the burden of cultism.
“Several revealed that the fear of arrest by the Command had previously forced them to flee the state, but they now feel confident to return and reintegrate into society. Their willingness to work closely with the Police to promote peace reflects a growing trust in law enforcement and renewed hope for community healing.
“To reinforce this progress, the Commissioner of Police appreciated the Ekimogun Youths and the initiators of the programme for their role in fostering dialogue and stability.
