The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected to be key members of a violent cult group operating within the state.
The suspects were apprehended in Ikorodu, a rapidly developing suburb in Lagos that has recently witnessed a surge in cult-related violence and other criminal activities.
The arrested suspects, identified as Adenuga Tosin (male), Jesutofunmi Ezekiel (male), and Adeniji Juwon (male), were taken into custody following a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation by one of the Command’s tactical teams.
Acting on credible intelligence, officers carried out a sting operation along the Owode-Ikorodu axis, a known hotspot for cult clashes and gang activity.
During the operation, police recovered a locally made pistol and six live cartridges in the possession of the suspects. These items, according to police sources, were intended for distribution to other cult members for use in violent attacks and inter-cult rivalries across Lagos.
According to preliminary findings by police investigators, the suspects are not just foot soldiers but active operatives within their cult group, allegedly responsible for facilitating the movement and distribution of illegal firearms across multiple local government areas in Lagos State.
This network, police say, plays a central role in arming criminal gangs, contributing to a rise in cult-related killings, robbery, and community unrest in areas such as Ikorodu, Bariga, Somolu, and Mushin. The Command believes that dismantling this syndicate is a critical step in disrupting the operational capabilities of cult groups across the state.
Efforts are currently ongoing to track and arrest other members of the group who are believed to be on the run. The police have launched a broader investigation into the source of the recovered weapon and the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in past criminal activities.
In response to the arrests, the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the tactical team for their swift action and professionalism. He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward cultism, organized crime, and illegal arms possession.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to rid the state of cultism and all forms of violent crime. This arrest is a testament to our ongoing strategy of intelligence-driven policing,” CP Jimoh said.
He further urged residents of Lagos to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, noting that effective policing depends greatly on community cooperation. “We need citizens to partner with us by sharing timely and actionable intelligence. Together, we can ensure the safety of our communities,” he added.
Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who issued the official statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the suspects will face the full weight of the law once investigations are concluded.
“The suspects will be charged to court in accordance with due process and the rule of law. We are committed to ensuring justice is served and that those who endanger the peace and security of Lagos are held accountable,” CSP Hundeyin stated.
He also highlighted the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation and public support in the ongoing battle against cult-related violence and criminal syndicates across the state.
