The Lagos State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists and armed robbers during a targeted raid in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu.
The Command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, announced the arrest in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, describing it as part of the Command’s ongoing crackdown on criminal gangs across the state.
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According to the statement, operatives of the Bullock Tactical Team stormed a criminal hideout around 5:30 a.m. on 15 October, following credible intelligence.
The suspects, who were allegedly planning violent activities in the area, were arrested on the spot.
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The suspects were identified as Fadiya Ayodele (27), Lawal Rasheed (28), Akerele Demilare (27), Alimi Victor (23), Okiki Alufoge (25), Nurudeen Dolapo (25), Agboola Samuel (25), and Ayolade Victor (25).
Police spokesperson Adebisi, a superintendent of police, said items recovered at the scene included a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, a battle axe, an assault dagger, several charms, and counterfeit $100 bills totalling $3,000.
The police said during interrogation, Fadiya Ayodele confessed to being the leader of the Eiye Confraternity in Odogunyan. He was also said to have told investigators that he had handed over a locally made pistol to one Adewunmi Annadex, who is currently on the run.
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Ms Adebisi said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, reiterated the Command’s commitment to keeping Lagos safe, warning that anyone involved in cultism or criminal activity would face the full weight of the law.
Broader crackdown on cultism in Lagos
The latest arrests come amid a sustained police crackdown on cult-related violence and armed robbery across Lagos State.
Earlier in October, police arrested five suspected cultists after a violent clash between rival groups in the Onireke and Isashi areas, recovering firearms and vehicles used by the suspects.
In a separate operation, four suspected cultists were arrested in Ojo, following intelligence about a planned secret meeting of a cult group.
Also in August, police operatives apprehended a suspected cultist and armed robber in Ijede, recovering a locally made pistol.
Two more suspects were arrested in Akoka in September, with weapons seized during the raid.
In 2023 alone, over 80 suspected cultists were arrested in Lagos during various police operations targeting secret cult groups across the state.
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