Security is most effective when it prevents crime before lives are endangered.
In a bustling megacity like Lagos, where millions live, work and conduct business daily, proactive policing remains essential to preserving public confidence, maintaining law and order, and protecting the state’s economic stability.
It was against this backdrop that the Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Fatai Tijani, launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation to prevent cult-related violence associated with the annual 7/7 cult celebrations, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports.
The statewide operation, simultaneously executed across identified criminal hideouts and black spots, led to the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the recovery of 26 firearms, alongside several dangerous weapons, illicit substances and other incriminating items.
The coordinated raids were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that rival cult groups had concluded plans to carry out attacks, initiate new members and engage in other criminal activities during the annual 7/7 celebrations.
Among the items recovered were 16 dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, 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’ activities.
According to a statement e-signed and released by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operation formed part of the Command’s proactive security strategy aimed at preventing cult-related violence and ensuring the continued safety of residents across the state.
She explained that the intelligence-led raids successfully disrupted plans by rival cult groups “to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities,” adding that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs.
SP Adebisi further disclosed that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The successful operation reinforces the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and the dismantling of criminal networks before they can threaten lives and public peace.
The crackdown also sends a strong message that the Command remains resolute in denying criminal elements the opportunity to destabilise the security of Lagos State.
