Lagos: Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms in coordinated raids
Lagos Police Arrest 135 Suspected Cultists in Coordinated Raids
LAGOS — Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command arrested 135 suspected cultists and seized 26 firearms during a series of coordinated raids across the state’s identified criminal hideouts.
The operation, which took place on the directive of Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai, was prompted by credible intelligence regarding potential violent confrontations among rival cult groups related to the July 7 cult celebrations.
Police officials stated that the raids involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and members of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). The primary objective was to avert cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the area.
In addition to the firearms, law enforcement recovered a range of other items, including 16 dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, daggers, and knives, along with cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages, substances believed to be Indian hemp, and six mobile phones.
The police report emphasized that the operation followed intelligence about planned attacks by rival cult factions and that investigations are ongoing to locate and apprehend additional members of these groups who remain at large.
According to the statement, the suspects currently in custody will face charges in court once the investigations conclude.