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Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists during initiation ceremonies held as part of the annual 7/7 cult celebration across the state.
The police also recovered 26 firearms, 16 other dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different brands of alcoholic drinks, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
In a statement, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the operation was carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
She explained that the operation was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence. According to her, police teams carried out simultaneous raids on identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the state to prevent cult-related violence associated with the annual 7/7 celebration and initiation activities.
“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities. Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” she said.
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The police spokesperson also appealed to parents and guardians 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.
She 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,” she said.
“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.”
