Lagos: Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms
The Lagos state police command says its operatives have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms, as well as 16 other dangerous weapons during simultaneous raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.
Abimbola Adebisi, the command’s spokesperson, said in a statement issued on Wednesday that the raids were carried out to prevent cult-related violence associated with the July 7 cult celebration and initiation activities.
July 7 is observed by some cult groups in Nigeria as ‘Cultism Day’, during which they initiate new members and allegedly engage in violent activities, particularly at night.
Adebisi said the operations followed credible intelligence and were carried out on the directive of Tijani Fatai, commissioner of police in Lagos state.
According to him, the raids were conducted by area commanders, divisional police officers (DPOs), tactical commanders, and the violent crime response unit (VCRU).
“The operation led to the arrest of one hundred and thirty-five (135) suspected cultists and the recovery of twenty-six (26) firearms, sixteen (16) other dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, dagars and knives, cultist insignia, assorted charms, eleven (11) bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six (6) mobile phones,” the statement reads.
“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities.
“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.”
