Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts and identified black spots across the state in a major operation aimed at preventing cult-related violence linked to the July 7 (7/7) celebration and initiation activities.

According to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operation was carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, following credible intelligence.

The police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi disclosed that intelligence reports revealed plans by rival cult groups to launch coordinated attacks and engage in other criminal activities, prompting the Command to carry out simultaneous raids across strategic locations in the state.

During the operation, officers recovered 26 firearms, 16 other dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.

SP Adebisi stated that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs involved. She added that the 135 suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.