A yet-to-be ascertained number of suspected cultists have been arrested in various parts of Lagos State following a major crackdown by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday.
The arrests came barely 24 hours after the command issued a warning against cult groups ahead of the annual “7/7 Cultism Day,” known for rival clashes and reprisals.
The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, had in a statement on Sunday, stated that the command mobilised the Police Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Squads, the Police Mobile Force, the Police State Intelligence Department and specially designated units of the Force against violent crimes and cultism.
Meanwhile, police sources who spoke to our correspondent on Wednesday said raids were carried out in areas such as Ikorodu, Idimu, Mushin, Bariga, and Iyana Iba, where the suspected cult members had gathered to mark the day.
The sources added that police recovered some exhibits from them during the raid.
“The combined efforts of the officers in various units of the police deployed across the state led to the arrest of some suspected cultists caught planning to celebrate the day. Some weapons and other forms of exhibits were recovered from them. I am aware of the operation that was carried out at Idimu and Iyana Iba where some were caught with charms,” a source disclosed.
Another police source said the suspects had been transferred to the command headquarters.
“The police were able to work with information provided by some residents, which aided in the arrest of the suspects. All the suspects rounded up have been transferred to the state headquarters for prosecution. They may likely be paraded, but I am not sure of that yet.
“The operation is still ongoing and not limited to Monday alone. It is going to be sustained,” the source added.
Hundeyin could not be reached as calls made to his telephone were not responded to. A text message sent to him had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.
Hundeyin had earlier in the statement disclosed that the police on Sunday arrested 52 cult suspects in joint raids of cultists’ hideouts while they were in preparation to unleash mayhem on innocent people during the 7:7 Cultism Day in the state.
“CP Olohundare Jimoh has held an operational meeting with all the Anti-Cultism Squads and Special tactical teams commanders in the state today 6/7/25 at the Command Headquarters, charging them to ensure that no cult group is allowed to wreak havoc or disturb the peace in the State.
Crime prevention operatives and detectives of the command deployed are on high alert and remain resolute in the mandate of protecting Lagosians and visitors to the state,” the statement added.
PUNCH.
