Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, have arrested five suspected cultists believed to have been terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of Lagos State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Superintendent of Police (SP) Abimbola Adebisi,  the operation led to the arrest of one Abubakar Ayomide (25), also known as “Garbazin,” who subsequently led operatives to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects were apprehended. The additional suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf (23), Ahmed Abibu (24), Abubakar Shafi (23), and Fatai Mohammed (25).

The principal suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided investigators with useful information. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang and conclude investigations before charging the suspects to court.

A search conducted at the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of one battle axe, one UTC knife, two other knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be criminal charms, and other exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has issued a stern warning to all cultists and other criminal elements operating within Lagos State to immediately renounce their criminal activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.

He emphasized that there is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.

The Commissioner of Police further reassured residents that the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations across the state until cultism and other violent crimes are decisively curtailed. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring them that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

For emergencies or information sharing, members of the public are advised to contact the Lagos State Police Command through the following dedicated emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.