Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, have arrested five suspected cultists believed to be terrorizing the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of Lagos State.
The operation led to the arrest of a suspect, Abubakar Ayomide, alias “Garbazin,” 25, who subsequently led operatives to the group’s hideout, where four other suspects were apprehended. The other suspects are Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.
According to the Police, the principal suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided useful information to investigators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal gang and conclude investigations for prosecution.
A search conducted at the hideout resulted in the recovery of a battle axe, a UTC knife, two other knives, a hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be criminal charms, and other exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, issued a stern warning to cultists and other criminal elements operating within the state to immediately renounce their criminal activities or face the full weight of the law.
He emphasized that there is no hiding place for cultists in Lagos, as the Command remains resolute in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all individuals involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.
CP Tijani further reassured residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations across the state until cultism and other violent crimes are decisively curtailed. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents through sustained efforts against criminality in all its forms.
