Lagos: Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms in coordinated raids

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids carried out across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in different parts of the state.

A statement by the command said the operation, which was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, MNIPS, followed credible intelligence on plans by rival cult groups to engage in violence linked to the July 7 (7/7) cult celebration and initiation.

The coordinated raids were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to the police, the operation was aimed at preventing cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.

During the exercise, officers arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms.

Other items recovered included 16 dangerous weapons, comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.

“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities,” the statement said.

The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs who are still at large.

It also stated that the suspects currently in custody would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

“Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement noted.