The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and identified black spots across the state ahead of the annual 7/7 cult celebration.
The operation was carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following directives from the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, and credible intelligence on planned cult-related activities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the raids were conducted simultaneously across strategic locations to prevent possible clashes and violent attacks linked to rival cult groups during the 7/7 celebration.
Items recovered during the operation included 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, six mobile phones, 11 bottles of different alcoholic brands, as well as substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.
The police said the operation was launched after intelligence revealed that some rival cult groups were planning attacks and other criminal activities across the state.
The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal gangs.
The suspects, it said, would be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
SP Adebisi reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining operations against cultism and other violent crimes, while urging residents to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing criminal activities.
