The Lagos State Police Command arrested 52 suspected cultists on Sunday night in joint raids across the state, ensuring safety ahead of July 7 Cultism Day. The suspects were apprehended in Mushin while allegedly planning violent attacks on innocent residents.

According to CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos State Police Command, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh warned hoteliers against hosting cult activities on their premises, emphasizing that non-compliance will lead to prosecution.

Lagos State Commissioner Of Police, Moshood Olohundare Jimoh

The Police Commissioner advised parents and guardians to guide their children away from cultism and violence, warning that the law will take its course against those involved.

The Police command is fully prepared to tackle cultism and violent crimes, having mobilized various units including the Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Squads, Police Mobile Force, and State Intelligence Department to prevent attacks and prosecute offenders, according to Hundeyin.

“The Police in furtherance to ensure the safety of the good people of Lagos has completed and implemented preventive, deterrence and detective strategies to nip in the bud and ensure that the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos State is not disrupted by the cultists under any guise.

“The Command has deployed massively across the length and breadth of the Lagos State to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all residents and visitors to Lagos State.

“Following credible intelligence indicating that certain cult groups may attempt to cause mayhem and engage in reprisal attacks on July 7, the command has put robust measures in place to forestall any such activities.

“The Command is fully prepared to maintain law and order and would ensure that no individual or group disrupts the peace of our dear state.

“Equally acting on this intelligence, the command today carried out proactive and advanced raids of cultists criminal hideouts around the Mushin area of the state, fifty-two (52) suspected culprits were arrested while in preparation for tomorrow’s violent attacks in the state.

“The suspects are currently detained in police custody and they will be charged to Court at the end of the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, hereby issues a stern warning to hotel owners, managers of recreational facilities, and other establishments to refrain from allowing their premises to be used for meetings, gatherings and other violent activities by cult groups.

The law will be strictly enforced against violators, with no leniency.

“Parents and guardians are hereby strongly advised to prevail and counsel their children and wards to steer clear of cultism and all forms of violence and criminalities.

The consequences of engaging in such activities are severe, and the Command will not hesitate to apprehend and prosecute offenders in this regard,” he said.

Hundeyin stated that the Commissioner of Police met with Anti-Cultism Squads and tactical team commanders, directing them to prevent cult groups from causing chaos or disrupting peace in the state. He noted that crime prevention operatives and detectives are on high alert, committed to protecting Lagosians and visitors.

“The Lagos State Command therefore wishes to encourage the good people of the state to go about their lawful activities and other businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation, but to promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines on 08063299264 and 08065154338,” he stated.