By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in the state to prevent violence linked to the July 7 cult celebration and initiation.

The operation, carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence on planned attacks by rival cult groups.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to Adebisi, the coordinated raids were aimed at forestalling cult-related violence and other criminal activities associated with the annual 7/7 celebration.

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

Adebisi said intelligence available to the command had indicated that rival cult groups were planning coordinated attacks and other criminal acts, prompting the police to launch the simultaneous operations across the state.

“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities,” the police spokesperson said.

She added that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, noting that the 135 suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The command reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to rid Lagos of cultism and other violent crimes, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.