Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms in Lagos crackdown
By Shola Johnson
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms in a sweeping operation across the state aimed at preventing violence linked to the annual July 7 (7/7) cult celebrations and initiation activities.
The coordinated raids, which targeted identified criminal hideouts and black spots, were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, said the operation followed credible intelligence that rival cult groups were planning coordinated attacks and other criminal activities to mark the annual 7/7 cult celebration.
Beyond the 26 firearms recovered, police operatives also seized 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives. Other exhibits recovered include cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic drinks, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
Adebisi said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, adding that all 135 suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
