Kogi Poly Security Apprehends Suspected Cultists and Drug Peddlers During Second Semester Examination
On July 16, 2024, Kogi State Polytechnic’s security team arrested three students and five non-students suspected of cultism and drug peddling during the ongoing second semester exams.
Mary Nwaeze 
Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja's joint security team made significant strides in maintaining campus safety by apprehending three students and five non-students suspected of cult activities and drug peddling during the ongoing second semester examinations.
The arrested students, all HND II in the Department of Business Administration, include Ajayi Oluwaseun Oladipo (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/275), Isenre Elijah Ayomide (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/146), and Omonijo Sunday (Matric No. 2022/HND/BUS/181). The non-students, originating from Ekiti State but based in Abuja, are Otitoju Christopher, Babatope Ayomide, Isaiah Babatunde, Shina Ayodeji, and Makinde Olalekan.
This operation was a result of proactive measures by the Polytechnic's Management to curb the infiltration of cultists and other outlawed groups. Intelligence had indicated plans to enter the campus with weapons in collaboration with cyber-crime suspects, intending to cause harm and chaos under the guise of end-of-examination graduation celebrations, which had been banned due to security concerns.
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In preparation for the examinations, the Management received reports of plans by bad elements, including cyber-criminals, cultists, and drug peddlers, to import their associates from other states to disrupt campus peace. To counter this, the Polytechnic banned all forms of end-of-semester celebrations and communicated this through a circular issued by the Chief Security Officer. Meetings with the Students Union Government (SUG), National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), and Departmental Presidents further sensitized students about the risks and consequences of inimical behavior.
The Polytechnic also formed the Examination Security Management Committee, comprising Deans, the Chief Security Officer, student representatives, the Chief Imam, and the Polytechnic Chaplain, tasked with devising security strategies. External security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Vigilante Group, were engaged, and their personnel were deployed.
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One key strategy was restricting student vehicle use beyond designated car parks, with thorough searches and increased plainclothes security operatives monitoring campus movements. These measures led to the successful interception of the suspects at the main Polytechnic gate. The suspects were found with hard drugs, drug paraphernalia, and a beret with a suspected cult symbol. The items recovered included two cars (a Mercedes Benz Saloon and a Toyota Lexus Saloon), various drugs, N14,000 in cash, and an MP3 player.
The Polytechnic's proactive approach to security, especially under the leadership of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has drastically reduced cult activities and violence on campus. Past incidents of unchecked cult operations, including the murder of a lecturer, have been effectively curtailed in the last four years.
The Rector commended the Examination Security Management Committee, the Joint Security Team, and the Intelligence Team for their effective collaboration in preventing the planned mayhem. He urged ND II students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. He also advised parents to monitor their children's behavior and associations closely.
Non-students with intentions of engaging in cult activities or other social vices on campus were warned to stay away or face legal consequences.
Uredo Omale
Director, Public Relations and Protocol
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja
