The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cult members and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids across criminal hideouts and black spots in a major operation aimed at preventing cult-related violence in the state.
The intelligence-driven operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, following reports that rival cult groups were planning attacks and initiation activities associated with the annual July 7 (7/7) cult celebrations.
The operation involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), who simultaneously raided identified criminal hideouts across different parts of Lagos.
According to the police, the operation led to the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the recovery of 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, as well as cult insignia, assorted charms, suspected Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages believed to be used during cult activities, and six mobile phones.
The Police Command said the operation successfully disrupted planned attacks and other criminal activities that could have threatened public peace and safety across the state.
Police authorities disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs who are still at large, while all suspects found culpable will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led policing and vowed to intensify efforts to combat cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities across Lagos State.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support the fight against crime and ensure the safety of lives and property
