Lagos Police Arrest 23 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in Statewide Crackdown

Lagos Police Arrest 23 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in Statewide Crackdown

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated operations across multiple parts of the state, as part of an intensified crackdown on cultism and violent crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, has sustained aggressive operations aimed at curbing cultism and related criminal activities, leading to significant breakthroughs across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the coordinated and simultaneous raids were carried out in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju areas, targeting cult groups and illegal arms proliferation.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 23 suspected cultists and the recovery of five firearms, alongside other incriminating exhibits.

In Ikorodu, four suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities, with preliminary investigations indicating affiliation with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.

On Lagos Island, nine suspects were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout, while in Ilasan, five suspects were apprehended in connection with the killing of one Emmanuel Obioson in a cult-related incident.

In Okoko, one suspect believed to be affiliated with the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted and found in possession of a firearm.

Similarly, in Ogba and Iju, police operatives arrested four suspects allegedly involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes. Weapons used in the attacks were recovered, while victims are currently receiving medical attention.

Items recovered during the operations include five locally made pistols, one toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, three expended cartridges, police and army camouflage face caps, and a jack knife.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes in Lagos State, emphasizing that sustained intelligence-led operations will continue across identified hotspots.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information through designated emergency lines.

The police added that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.