Lagos police arrest 23 suspected cultists, recover firearms

Etim Ekpimah

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during a coordinated statewide crackdown on cultism and violent crime.

The operations, carried out across Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba and Iju, targeted criminal hideouts and illegal arms proliferation. Police said the raids were part of ongoing efforts by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, to curb cult-related violence in the state.

In Ikorodu, officers arrested four suspects following credible intelligence linking them to cult activities, with preliminary investigations pointing to their affiliation with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.

On Lagos Island, nine suspects were apprehended during a raid on a criminal hideout. In Ilasan, five suspects were arrested in connection with the cult-related killing of Emmanuel Obioson.

Police also intercepted a suspect in Okoko, allegedly linked to the Eiye Confraternity, who was found in possession of a firearm.

Further operations in Ogba and Iju led to the arrest of four suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault and other violent offences. Police recovered weapons used in the attacks, while victims are currently receiving medical treatment.

Items recovered during the operations include five locally made pistols, a toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, three expended cartridges, police and army camouflage face caps, and a jackknife with its pouch.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crime, urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information through the command’s emergency lines.