Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have arrested five suspected cultists during a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting criminal elements terrorising the Apapa, Ijora and Badia areas of Lagos State.
The operation, carried out on credible intelligence, led to the arrest of a prime suspect, Abubakar Ayomide (25), popularly known as “Garbazin.” Following his arrest, the suspect directed operatives to the gang’s hideout, where four additional suspects were apprehended.
The other suspects arrested are Tanko Yusuf (23), Ahmed Abibu (24), Abubakar Shafi (23), and Fatai Mohammed (25).
During interrogation, the principal suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the notorious Aiye Confraternity and has since provided investigators with valuable information to aid ongoing investigations. Police authorities disclosed that efforts are underway to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang before charging the suspects to court.
A thorough search of the hideout yielded a cache of dangerous items, including a battle axe, a UTC knife, two additional knives, a hammer, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, suspected criminal charms, and other incriminating exhibits.
Reacting to the operation, 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 abandon their illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that there is no safe haven for cultists in Lagos, reaffirming the Command’s determination to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in cult-related violence and other criminal acts.
The Police Commissioner further assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across the state to stamp out cultism and violent crimes. He also appealed to members of the public to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information, assuring that all reports would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
For emergencies or to provide useful information, residents are advised to contact the Lagos State Police Command through the following numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.