Security is most effective not when it reacts to violence after lives have been lost, but when it prevents criminality before it takes root. In a sprawling megacity like Lagos, where millions live, work and invest daily, proactive policing remains critical to preserving public confidence, maintaining social order and safeguarding the state’s economic vitality. It was against this backdrop that the Lagos State Police Command launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation to neutralise potential cult-related violence associated with the annual 7/7 cult celebration.
The operation, carried out simultaneously across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in the state, resulted in the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the recovery of 26 firearms alongside several other dangerous weapons and illicit items.
The raid was conducted by operatives comprising Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to unleash attacks and perpetrate other criminal activities during the 7/7 celebration and initiation period.
Items recovered during the operation included 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 believed to be connected to the suspects.
According to the Lagos Police PRO, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operation formed part of the Command’s proactive strategy to forestall cult-related violence and ensure residents continue to enjoy peace and security. SP Adebisi noted that the operation was to forestall “plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities.”
She added that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, noting that “the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
The latest crackdown underscores the Lagos State Police Command’s sustained commitment to intelligence-led policing, preventive security operations and the disruption of criminal networks before they can threaten public safety.