Lagos Police Nab 135 Suspected Cultists During 7/7 Anniversary Crackdown

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists in separate operations across the state, foiling alleged initiation ceremonies planned to mark the annual 7/7 cult anniversary.

The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday during intelligence-led raids carried out in identified criminal hideouts and other black spots across Lagos.

Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

He said the operation followed intelligence indicating that cult groups were preparing to recruit new members and unleash violence to commemorate July 7, a date widely associated with cult activities in the state.

According to the police commissioner, tactical teams, divisional police officers and other operatives were deployed to strategic locations, backed by convoy patrols and coordinated raids that disrupted the planned gatherings.

The operation, he said, led to the recovery of 15 locally made Beretta pistols, one English-made Beretta pistol, one locally made revolver, eight other locally fabricated firearms, nine battle axes, seven machetes, illicit drugs, alcoholic drinks, mobile phones and assorted charms.

Tijani clarified that all the suspects were arrested at locations where they had allegedly assembled for initiation exercises and not in their homes.

He said those arrested would be profiled, thoroughly investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established.

“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,” the commissioner said.

He added: “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.”

The police commissioner commended officers involved in the operation, saying their coordinated efforts helped prevent attacks and maintained public peace across the state.

He also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and the company they keep, warning that anyone found participating in criminal acts would face the full weight of the law.

“Parents must know where their children go, the friends they keep and what they are doing,” he said.

Tijani assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations to combat cultism and other violent crimes across the state.

He added, “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.”