Coordinated Raids Disrupt Planned Cult Attacks
The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the recovery of 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts across the state. The operation was conducted ahead of the annual 7 July cult-related activities, which have historically involved initiations, anniversary celebrations, and retaliatory attacks.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the raids were executed on the directive of Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai. The directive followed intelligence reports indicating that rival cult groups were planning attacks and other criminal activities across Lagos.
Multi-Unit Operation Targets Black Spots
The operation involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit. According to the statement, various police units simultaneously raided identified black spots and criminal hideouts across the state. The aim was to prevent cult-related violence and other crimes often associated with the annual “7/7” celebration.
Security agencies have long associated July 7 with cult group initiations and clashes. Police commands in states with a history of cult-related violence typically heighten surveillance and conduct pre-emptive operations during this period to forestall clashes.
Recovered Items Include Firearms and Illicit Drugs
Items recovered during the raids include 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, daggers, and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic drinks, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities across the state,” the statement said. It added that the raids led to the arrest of 135 suspected cultists, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks and prevent violence.
Investigations Underway to Apprehend Fleeing Suspects
The command revealed that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gangs still at large. The suspects will be arraigned after investigations are concluded, the police said, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations against cultism and other violent crimes across Lagos State.
