The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during a series of high-intensity, simultaneous operations.
The crackdown, which spanned Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, underscores the Command’s intensified war against cultism and the proliferation of illegal weapons.
The operations were fueled by the unwavering commitment of CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, to sanitize the state of violent elements. In Ikorodu, tactical teams acting on credible intelligence apprehended four suspects reportedly affiliated with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.
The momentum shifted to Lagos Island, where nine suspects were flushed out of a notorious criminal hideout. Meanwhile, in Ilasan, the Command secured a major breakthrough with the arrest of five individuals linked to the cold-blooded killing of one Emmanuel Obioson.
In Okoko, a lone operative belonging to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted while in possession of a firearm. The sweep concluded in the Ogba and Iju axes, where four additional suspects were taken into custody for their involvement in illegal gatherings and violent assaults.
Speaking on the breakthrough, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, emphasized that the era of cultist impunity is over.
“These coordinated raids demonstrate our proactive stance. We are not just reacting to crime; we are dismantling the structures that allow it to thrive. Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure every nook and cranny of Lagos remains unsafe for criminals.”
The recovered items highlight the lethal nature of these groups. The inventory includes five locally made pistols, one toy pistol used for intimidation, fifteen live cartridges, three expended cartridges, and various military-grade apparel, including Police and Army camouflage face caps, along with a jackknife.
“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that the Command’s commitment to eradicating cultism is unwavering,” SP Adebisi added. “We urge the public to remain our eyes and ears. Security is a collective responsibility, and timely information is our greatest weapon.”
The arrested individuals, currently undergoing profiling and assisting with further investigations, include:
Shina Wale (36), Kehinde Kareem (18), Mohammed Aileru (18), Bada Mujeeb (18), Salam Kosoko (30), Yusuf Anjorin (19), Quadri Abubakar (21), Lateef Salako (18), Fawaz Bello (30), Oyesola Olalekan (36), Ubaka Justice (36), Emmanuel Obekpa (36), Sodiq Ademola (36), Balogun Taofeek (33), Azeez Owolabi (28), Meshack Obini (24), Fabulous John (25), Promise Israel (28), Bright Aniedi (27), Familola Fikayo David (24), Akeem Olamilekan, aka Magali (43), Muiz Oyedele (20), and Hamzat Sadiq (19).
The Command encourages citizens to report suspicious activities via the emergency hotlines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929. #Securitynewsalert.com
