By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered 5 firearms in a coordinated statewide crackdown on cultism and violent crimes.
The operation, which targeted multiple locations including Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba and Iju, was part of intensified efforts by the Command to curb cult-related activities and illegal arms proliferation across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said the operations were intelligence driven and executed simultaneously in the identified hotspots.
According to the statement, 4 suspects were arrested in Ikorodu following credible intelligence linking them to cult activities, with preliminary investigations indicating their affiliation with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as Sea Lords while 9 suspected cultist were apprehended in Lagos Island, during a raid on a criminal hideout, other 5 suspects were arrested in Ilasan in connection with the alleged cult related killing of Emmanuel Obioson.
The Police also disclosed that 1 suspect linked to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted in Okoko in possession of a firearm.
Similarly, operations in Ogba and Iju led to the arrest of 4 suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault and other violent crimes, with weapons used in the attacks recovered. Victims of the attacks are currently receiving medical attention.
Exhibits recovered during the operations include 5 locally made pistols, 1 toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, 3 expended cartridges, as well as police and army camouflage face caps and a jack knife.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and other violent crimes, warning that criminal elements would face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines.