Arrest Of 23 Suspected Cultists, Recovery Of Five Firearms In Statewide Crackdown

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crimes across the state, with the arrest of twenty-three (23) suspected cultists and the recovery of five (5) firearms alongside other incriminating exhibits.

According to the statement by SP Abimbola Adebisi, anipr, mipra, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command. The coordinated and simultaneous operations were carried out across Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju areas under the leadership of CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, as part of intensified efforts to combat cult-related violence and illegal arms proliferation.

“In the unwavering commitment of CP Tijani Fatai… in eradicating cultism and violent crimes in the State, the Lagos State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs,” the statement noted, adding that the raids targeted identified criminal hideouts and cult-linked groups.

In Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities. Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed connections to the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as Sea Lords.

Similarly, in Lagos Island, nine (9) suspected cultists were apprehended during a raid on a criminal hideout, while in Ilasan, five (5) suspects were arrested in connection with the cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson.

In Okoko, one suspect allegedly affiliated with the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted while in possession of a firearm, while coordinated operations in Ogba and Iju led to the arrest of four (4) suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes. Weapons allegedly used in the attacks were also recovered, with victims currently receiving medical attention.

Weapons Recovered from Suspected Cultists in Lagos Crackdown

The Command disclosed that a total of five (5) locally made pistols were recovered, alongside one toy pistol, fifteen (15) live cartridges, three (3) expended cartridges, one Police camouflage face cap, one Army camouflage face cap, and a jack knife with a pouch.

The suspects arrested were identified as 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 (43), Muiz Oyedele (20), and Hamzat Sadiq (19).

Reaffirming the Command’s commitment, the Commissioner of Police stated that the police remain resolute in “eradicating cultism and violent crimes” across Lagos State, urging residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information.

Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.