Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, has warned that the Command would not tolerate violent crimes, especially cultism, in the state.

The CP, during a press conference at Police Headquarters Ikeja, yesterday, said the trending crime that is giving his command problems is cultism, as there are prevalent wars, where cult members engage in supremacy fights.

He said the command has done well in the last two weeks as it successfully arrested 47 suspected criminals, including cultists, robbers, fraudsters and other offenders.

Giving a breakdown of the command’s achievements within the period under review, CP Fatai said, “On April 6, at about 8:30pm, acting on credible intelligence, the command raided a criminal hideout at Oke-Ira, Ogba, where a group of suspected cultists was intercepted. Two suspects were arrested, and several illicit drugs were recovered. The suspects could not give a satisfactory account of themselves. Investigation is ongoing.

“On April 6, at about 2am, following a distress call received during routine patrol that suspected cultists were terrorising the area, police operatives swiftly moved to the scene in Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos; two suspects were arrested. A search conducted on them led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and one live ammunition.

The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation, while investigation is ongoing.”

The CP said the command arrested 47 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items in a sweeping crackdown on criminal hideouts across the state.

He attributed the success of the operations to intelligence-driven policing and sustained collaboration with residents.

Fatai noted that the command ensured a peaceful and incident-free Easter celebration through the strategic deployment of personnel to worship centres, highways and recreational facilities.

He added that the improved security presence significantly contributed to the calm recorded during the period.

Emphasizing the success of recent operations, the police boss said 14 firearms, including locally made pistols and pump-action guns, were recovered, alongside dozens of live ammunition.

“Other items recovered include: 14 vehicles, laptops, mobile phones and additional exhibits linked to criminal activities.

“Among the notable operations, police arrested a suspected armed robber in the Amukoko area, recovering a locally made pistol, cartridges and suspected charms. In a separate operation, a 23-year-old alleged cultist linked to the Aiye Confraternity was apprehended in Ajegunle with a firearm.

“In Ajao Estate, operatives arrested 21 suspects during a raid on a hotel where suspected cult members had gathered. Items recovered during the raid include: a firearm, laptops and multiple mobile phones. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect identified as a key figure in the group.

“The command also foiled an alleged N20 million extortion attempt in Ojokoro, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect during a decoy operation. A laptop and flash drive were recovered from the suspect.

“The police further dismantled a car theft syndicate with the arrest of five suspects involved in vehicle theft and resale. Two stolen vehicles were recovered while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.

“In separate operations across Lekki, Ikotun, Egbeda, Iba and Egbin, suspects linked to vehicle vandalism, armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms were also apprehended.

“Additionally, operatives uncovered a major fraud case involving a 62-year-old suspect, accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of N130 million. Investigations revealed that the funds were used to acquire luxury vehicles, six of which have been recovered and valued at over N520 million.

“Further raids on criminal hideouts in Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of illicit drugs and weapons.”

Fatai reaffirmed the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive crime-fighting operations, enhancing visibility policing and strengthening community engagement to ensure continued safety across Lagos. “I am equally pleased to inform you that the command’s security arrangements for the Easter celebrations were highly successful. Proactive deployment of personnel and strategic positioning of operational assets across critical points, worship centres, recreational venues, highways, and other public spaces ensured a peaceful and hitch-free celebration throughout the state.”

He stated that, “The command recorded no major security breach during the period, a testament to our preparedness, vigilance and collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding residents.

“The Lagos State Police Command remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to the safety and security of all residents. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations, sustain visibility policing and strengthen community engagement to ensure that Lagos remains a safe and secure environment for all.” (The Sun, excluding headline)