By Matthew Johnson and Florencemary Nwabueze
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts across the state.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and the Violent Crime Response Unit. It was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, following intelligence reports that rival cult groups were planning to launch attacks during the 7/7 celebration and initiation period.
The police also recovered 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers, and knives. Other items seized include cultist insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Wednesday said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs. He added that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminality and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.