The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists during coordinated raids that disrupted the annual July 7 initiation ceremonies of various cult groups across the state.
Addressing journalists at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, said the operation was the outcome of intelligence-led policing, aggressive raids, convoy patrols and strategic deployment of tactical teams across identified criminal black spots in Lagos.
According to the police boss, July 7 has over the years become a notorious date used by cult groups to initiate new members, prompting the command to launch a statewide operation aimed at preventing violence and dismantling the criminal networks.
“The police recovered 15 locally-made Beretta pistols, one English-made Beretta pistol, one locally-made revolver, eight other locally-fabricated firearms, nine battle axes, seven machetes, illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks, mobile phones and assorted charms during the operation,” he said.
CP Fatai disclosed that the suspects were arrested at different locations, including notorious black spots where they had allegedly gathered for initiation activities, stressing that none of them was arrested in their homes.
He said the suspects would undergo thorough screening and investigation before being charged to court where appropriate.
The Commissioner commended officers of the tactical teams, divisional police officers and other operatives whose coordinated efforts ensured that cult groups were prevented from carrying out attacks or disrupting public peace across the state.
He also appealed to parents to closely monitor their children and discourage them from joining cult groups, warning that anyone found engaging in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
The police boss assured Lagos residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations throughout the year to rid the state of cultism and other violent crimes.
“We are going to stop at nothing until we get these cut-throats off the streets of Lagos. Cultism remains one of our biggest security challenges, and we will continue to pursue them relentlessly.”
“Our proactive policing prevented the cult groups from carrying out any violent activity on July 7. Instead of allowing them to initiate new members, we arrested 135 suspects with dangerous weapons and other exhibits.”
“Parents must know where their children go, the friends they keep and what they are doing. The police will not arrest anyone in their homes, but anyone found engaging in criminal activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law.” CP Tijani Fatai stated