- 7/7 Cultism Day: Police Command Raids Hideouts
- The command issued a warning to cult groups ahead of the annual “77 Cultism Day”
- Police source indicate the suspects had been transferred to the command headquarters
An unspecified number of suspected cult members have been arrested across various areas of Lagos State following a major operation by the Lagos State Police Command on Monday.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the arrests occurred less than 24 hours after the command issued a warning to cult groups ahead of the annual “77 Cultism Day,” which is often marked by violent clashes and reprisals.
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In a statement released on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police had deployed the Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Units, Mobile Police Force, State Intelligence Department, and other specialised teams to tackle cult-related violence.
Police sources noted that on Wednesday that raids were conducted in locations including Ikorodu, Idimu, Mushin, Bariga, and Iyana Iba, where suspected cult members had gathered to observe the day.
The sources also noted that some items were recovered during the raids.
“The combined efforts of the officers in various units of the police deployed across the state led to the arrest of some suspected cultists caught planning to celebrate the day. Some weapons and other forms of exhibits were recovered from them. I am aware of the operation that was carried out at Idimu and Iyana Iba where some were caught with charms,” a source disclosed.
Another police source said the suspects had been transferred to the command headquarters.
“The police were able to work with information provided by some residents, which aided in the arrest of the suspects. All the suspects rounded up have been transferred to the state headquarters for prosecution. They may likely be paraded, but I am not sure of that yet.
“The operation is still ongoing and not limited to Monday alone. It is going to be sustained,” the source added.
Efforts to reach Hundeyin were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered and a text message sent to him had not received a response at the time this report was filed.
In his earlier statement, Hundeyin revealed that on Sunday, the police arrested 52 suspected cult members during coordinated raids on known hideouts. He said the suspects were allegedly preparing to carry out attacks on innocent residents during the 77 Cultism Day in the state.
“CP Olohundare Jimoh has held an operational meeting with all the Anti-Cultism Squads and Special tactical teams commanders in the state today 6/7/25 at the Command Headquarters, charging them to ensure that no cult group is allowed to wreak havoc or disturb the peace in the State.
Crime prevention operatives and detectives of the command deployed are on high alert and remain resolute in the mandate of protecting Lagosians and visitors to the state,” the statement added.
