Authorities apprehend 135 alleged cult members in Lagos, seize 26 guns

A total of 135 suspected cultists have been apprehended by the Lagos State Police Command, with the recovery of firearms and other hazardous weapons, following a series of coordinated raids on known criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.

n

SP Abimbola Adebisi, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, revealed this information in a statement issued on behalf of the command on Wednesday.

n

The simultaneous raids were specifically designed to thwart cult-related violence and other illicit activities associated with the annual 7/7 celebration and initiation rituals of rival cult groups.

n

According to the statement, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, comprising Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and the Violent Crime Response Unit, under the directive of CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, MNIPS, and based on credible intelligence.

n

The items seized during the operation include 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, daggers, and knives, as well as cult insignia, assorted charms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.

n

The operation also resulted in the recovery of 11 bottles of different alcoholic drinks and six mobile phones, in addition to the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the seizure of 26 firearms and 16 other hazardous weapons.

n

Intelligence reports had suggested that rival cult groups were planning to launch attacks and engage in violent confrontations in various parts of the state, prompting the police to take action.

n

The police operation was a response to these intelligence reports, which indicated plans by rival cult groups to engage in violent activities and other criminal behavior.

n

The command is currently conducting investigations to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs involved, while the arrested suspects will be charged to court once the investigations are concluded.

n

Upon the completion of the investigations, the suspects will face charges in court, according to the statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command.