By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lagos
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state ahead of the annual 7/7 cult celebrations.
The operation, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Police said the raids followed credible intelligence that rival cult groups were planning attacks and other criminal activities linked to the annual cult celebrations.
Items recovered include 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, 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 said the intelligence-driven operation was aimed at disrupting planned cult-related violence and initiation activities while reinforcing public safety across the state.
It added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other fleeing members of the criminal gangs.
According to the police, all 135 suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led policing to curb cultism and other violent crimes in Lagos State.
