Annual 7/7 Cult Celebrations: Lagos Police Nab 135 Suspected Cultists, Recover 26 Firearms, Charms in Pre-Emptive Crackdown
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Lagos State Police Command recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against cultism by arresting 135 suspected members of various cult groups and recovering 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.
The pre-emptive security operation, aimed at preventing violence associated with the annual 7/7 cult celebrations, was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai. It was carried out simultaneously by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following credible intelligence that rival cult groups were mobilising to launch attacks and perpetrate other criminal activities.
An authoritative source disclosed that the raids also yielded 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers, and knives. Other items recovered included cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones believed to be linked to the suspects.
Confirming the operation, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said in a statement on Wednesday that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs. She added that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
A police source on Lagos Island described this year’s operation against cult-related activities as highly successful, noting that several notorious hideouts were raided and many suspected cult members were arrested. According to the source, efforts are ongoing to track down those who escaped to neighbouring states.
The latest crackdown underscores the Lagos State Police Command’s intensified efforts to dismantle cult networks and prevent a resurgence of cult-related violence, particularly during periods historically associated with clashes between rival groups.
