A major police operation has disrupted suspected plans for cult-related violence in Lagos after 135 suspected cultists were arrested during coordinated raids across the state.
The crackdown came ahead of the annual July 7 activities, a period security agencies have often linked to cult initiations and retaliatory attacks.
The Lagos State Police Command said the operation was launched after credible intelligence revealed that rival cult groups were preparing attacks in different parts of the state.
According to the police, the operation led to the recovery of 26 firearms and several dangerous weapons. Moreover, suspected illicit drugs, cult insignia, charms, mobile phones and other items believed to be connected to criminal activities were also recovered during the exercise.
The operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai. The command said officers from different formations worked together to ensure the success of the intelligence-led operation.
Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and operatives attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit participated in the coordinated raids. Furthermore, several locations identified as criminal black spots were searched simultaneously across the state.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin (The statement attributes it to Abimbola Adebisi), said the operation was aimed at preventing cult violence before it could occur.
The statement explained that the action followed security reports suggesting that rival cult groups planned to launch attacks during the annual “7/7” activities.
“The operation followed credible intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities across the state,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, police disclosed that the operation resulted in the arrest of 135 suspected cult members. Investigations have also been expanded to identify other members of the suspected criminal groups who are still on the run.
In addition, officers recovered 26 firearms believed to have been used or intended for criminal operations. Sixteen dangerous weapons were also seized during the raids. They included cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives.
Other recovered exhibits included cult insignia, assorted charms, six mobile phones, eleven bottles of alcoholic drinks and substances suspected to be Indian hemp alongside other illegal drugs.
According to the command, the operation forms part of wider efforts to dismantle criminal networks across Lagos. Therefore, intelligence gathering and surveillance are expected to continue in different parts of the state.
Security agencies have repeatedly associated July 7 with cult group celebrations, fresh initiations and violent clashes.
Consequently, police commands usually strengthen security around the period to prevent attacks and protect residents.
The latest operation reflects that strategy, as officers acted before suspected plans could be carried out. Consequently, the police believe the swift intervention helped reduce the risk of violence in affected communities.
The command further assured residents that security operations would continue across Lagos. It also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could help prevent crime.
Meanwhile, the Lagos cultists arrest operation remains under active investigation. Police said more arrests could follow as intelligence gathering continues.
The statement added that all suspects will be arraigned after investigations are concluded. Furthermore, the command reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intelligence-led policing aimed at tackling cultism, violent crimes and other threats to public safety.
