The Lagos state Police Command have arrested twenty-three suspected cultists and recovered five firearms in a sweeping, coordinated crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the operations were carried out simultaneously in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, as part of the implementation of the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, to the Command to stamp out cult-related violence and illegal arms proliferation.
He said, “In Ikorodu, four suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence linking them to cult activities, with preliminary investigations indicating affiliation with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.
“On Lagos Island, nine suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout, while in Ilasan, five suspects were nabbed in connection with the cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson.
“In Okoko, one suspect linked to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted with a firearm. Similarly, in Ogba and Iju, four suspects were arrested for involvement in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes. Victims of the attacks are currently receiving medical attention.”
Exhibits recovered included five locally made pistols, one toy pistol, fifteen live cartridges, three expended cartridges, a police camouflage face cap, an army camouflage face cap, and a jack knife with pouch.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” she said, adding, “The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism and ensuring the safety of residents.”
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines.