The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists allegedly linked to criminal activities in the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.
The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and violent crimes across Lagos.
According to the police, detectives first arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Abubakar Ayomide, popularly known as “Garbazin,” who allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity during interrogation.
Police said the suspect subsequently led officers to the group’s hideout, where four other suspected members were arrested.
The additional suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.
During the operation, officers recovered several exhibits, including dangerous weapons, illicit drugs and other items believed to be connected to the suspects’ activities. The police said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the group’s operations and identify other members of the network.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.
“There is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos. The Command remains resolute in identifying, tracking down and prosecuting every individual involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts,” the commissioner said.
The police also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities, assuring the public that all reports would be treated confidentially.
The command said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state to dismantle criminal gangs and enhance public safety.
