Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Ruth .J
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists during an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal activities in the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, July 11, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out the operation following credible intelligence on the activities of a suspected cult group allegedly terrorising residents in the affected communities.
Police identified the first suspect as Abubakar Ayomide, 25, also known as "Garbazin." Investigators said his arrest led officers to the group's hideout, where four additional suspects were apprehended. The other suspects were identified as Tanko Yusuf, 23; Ahmed Abibu, 24; Abubakar Shafi, 23; and Fatai Mohammed, 25.
The Command disclosed that the principal suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided investigators with information expected to assist ongoing efforts to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal network. Police said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon their conclusion.
During a search of the hideout, operatives recovered one battle axe, one UTC knife, two other knives, one hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, items suspected to be criminal charms, and other exhibits believed to be linked to the group's activities.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, warned cultists and other criminal elements operating within the state to immediately abandon their unlawful activities or face decisive law enforcement action. He stated that the Command remains committed to identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in cult-related violence and other criminal offences.
The Commissioner further assured residents that the Lagos State Police Command would sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state to curb cultism and other violent crimes. He also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, assuring that all reports would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
The Police urged residents to report emergencies or provide useful information through the Command's emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.
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