Lagos Police Command Conducts Major Crackdown on Cultism, Arrests 23 Suspects and Recovers Firearms
In a significant security operation, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended 23 individuals suspected of involvement in cult-related activities and recovered five firearms. The coordinated crackdown, which spanned various locations across the state, was executed as part of a broader initiative to combat cultism and the proliferation of illegal arms.
Coordinated Operations Across Multiple Locations
According to a statement released on Friday, April 17, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operations were meticulously carried out in several key areas, including Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju. These actions were specifically designed to target and dismantle networks associated with cultism and violent crimes.
The crackdown was initiated under the direct directives of the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, who emphasized the command's unwavering commitment to eradicating these threats to public safety. The operations reflect a proactive approach to intelligence-led policing in Lagos State.
Detailed Breakdown of Arrests and Recoveries
In Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested based on credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities. Preliminary investigations have revealed affiliations with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords, highlighting the organized nature of these groups.
On Lagos Island, police conducted a raid on a criminal hideout, resulting in the apprehension of nine suspects. Additionally, in Ilasan, five individuals were arrested in connection with the killing of Emmanuel Obioson, underscoring the violent tendencies associated with these cult activities.
In Okoko, law enforcement intercepted a suspect allegedly linked to the Eiye Confraternity, recovering a firearm from his possession. Meanwhile, in Ogba and Iju, four suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in illegal cult gatherings and violent attacks. Weapons used in these assaults were seized, and victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Items Recovered During the Operations
The operations yielded a substantial cache of items, including:
- Five locally made pistols
- A toy pistol
- 15 live cartridges
- Three expended cartridges
- A police camouflage face cap
- An army camouflage face cap
- A jack knife
These recoveries demonstrate the dangerous arsenal that these groups possess and the critical need for continued vigilance.
List of Apprehended Suspects
The suspects taken into custody include:
- Shina Wale, male, 36 years
- Kehinde Kareem, male, 18 years
- Mohammed Aileru, male, 18 years
- Bada Mujeeb, male, 18 years
- Salam Kosoko, male, 30 years
- Yusuf Anjorin, male, 19 years
- Quadri Abubakar, male, 21 years
- Lateef Salako, male, 18 years
- Fawaz Bello, male, 30 years
- Oyesola Olalekan, male, 36 years
- Ubaka Justice, male, 36 years
- Emmanuel Obekpa, male, 36 years
- Sodiq Ademola, male, 36 years
- Balogun Taofeek, male, 33 years
- Azeez Owolabi, male, 28 years
- Meshack Obini, male, 24 years
- Fabulous John, male, 25 years
- Promise Israel, male, 28 years
- Bright Aniedi, male, 27 years
- Familola Fikayo David, male, 24 years
- Akeem Olamilekan, male, aka Magali, 43 years
- Muiz Oyedele, male, 20 years
- Hamzat Sadiq, male, 19 years
Police Commitment and Public Appeal
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, has reiterated the command's steadfast dedication to eliminating cultism and violent crimes from the state. He has urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely information to security agencies through designated emergency lines, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
This operation marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to secure Lagos State and protect its citizens from the threats posed by cult activities and illegal arms.
