Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms in Lagos raids‎‎

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

‎Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in the state.
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‎The operation, carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence on planned cult-related violence associated with the July 7 celebration and initiation.
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‎According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the intelligence revealed that rival cult groups were planning coordinated attacks and other criminal activities in parts of the state.
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‎Items recovered during the operation include 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
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‎The police said the raids were aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order and ensuring the safety of residents by disrupting planned criminal activities linked to cult groups.
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‎The Command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs still at large.
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‎It added that the 135 suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.