The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists during a coordinated operation aimed at preventing cult-related violence associated with the annual 7/7 celebration and initiation.
According to the police, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence on plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities linked to the 7/7 celebration.
The command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, noting that the intelligence-led operation involved Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
Adebisi said the operatives carried out simultaneous raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the state, leading to the arrest of the 135 suspects.
The operation also led to the recovery of 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, noting that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to rid Lagos State of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.