The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms in a series of coordinated operations across different areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 17 by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operations were carried out in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, targeting cultism and illegal arms proliferation.
Police said the crackdown followed directives from the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, as part of efforts to eradicate cultism and violent crimes in the State.
In Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested based on intelligence linking them to cult-related activities, with preliminary findings indicating affiliations with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.
On Lagos Island, nine suspects were apprehended during a raid on a criminal hideout, while five others were arrested in Ilasan in connection with the k!lling of one Emmanuel Obioson.
In Okoko, police intercepted a suspect allegedly linked to the Eiye Confraternity, recovering a firearm in his possession.
Four suspects were arrested in Ogba and Iju for alleged involvement in illegal cult gatherings and violent attacks. Police said weapons used in the assaults were recovered, while victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Items recovered during the operations include five locally made pistols, a toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, three expended cartridges, a police camouflage face cap, an army camouflage face cap, and a jack knife.
The suspects are: Shina Wale ‘m’ 36yrs, Kehinde Kareem ‘m’ 18yrs, Mohammed Aileru ‘m’ 18yrs, Bada Mujeeb ‘m’ 18yrs, Salam Kosoko ‘m’ 30yrs, Yusuf Anjorin ‘m’ 19yrs, Quadri Abubakar ‘m’ 21yrs, Lateef Salako ‘m’ 18yrs, Fawaz Bello ‘m’ 30yrs, Oyesola Olalekan ‘m’ age 36yrs, Ubaka Justice ‘m’ age 36yrs, Emmanuel Obekpa ‘m’ age 36yrs, Sodiq Ademola ‘m’ age 36yrs, Balogun Taofeek ‘m’ 33yrs, Azeez Owolabi ‘m’ age 28yrs, Meshack Obini ‘m’ age 24yrs, Fabulous John ‘m’ age 25yrs, Promise Israel ‘m’ age 28yrs, Bright Aniedi ‘m’ age 27yrs, Familola Fikayo David ‘m’ age 24yrs, Akeem Olamilekan ‘m’ aka Magali age 43yrs, Muiz Oyedele ‘m’ age 20yrs, Hamzat Sadiq ‘n’ age 19yrs.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes.
He urges residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies through designated emergency lines.