Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered firearms and other weapons during coordinated raids carried out across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in different parts of the state.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the command on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the simultaneous raids were aimed at preventing cult-related violence and criminal activities associated with the annual 7/7 celebration and initiation activities of rival cult groups.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and the Violent Crime Response Unit.
It followed intelligence reports indicating that rival cult groups were planning attacks during the July 7 cult anniversary and initiation period.
In addition to the firearms, police recovered 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives.
Other items seized included cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
The command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs involved while arrested suspects will be charged to court.
“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 added.
