The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms in a series of coordinated operations across the state targeting cultism and illegal arms possession.
The operations, carried out in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, were part of intensified efforts by the Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, to curb violent crimes and dismantle cult networks.
According to the Command, four suspects were arrested in Ikorodu following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities, with preliminary findings indicating ties to the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.
In a separate operation on Lagos Island, nine suspected cultists were apprehended during a raid on a criminal hideout. In Ilasan, five suspects were arrested in connection with the cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson.
Similarly, one suspect linked to the Eiye Confraternity was arrested in Okoko with a firearm, while four others were apprehended in Ogba and Iju for involvement in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes. Victims of the attacks 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 jackknife.
The Police stated that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, the Commissioner of Police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to security agencies.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines.
