Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, comprising Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, MNIPS, and on credible intelligence, conducted simultaneous raids across identified criminal hideouts and black spots within the State to prevent cult-related violence associated with the 7/7 celebration/initiation.

The operation, according to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), led to the arrest of one hundred and thirty-five (135) suspected cultists and the recovery of twenty-six (26) firearms, sixteen (16) other dangerous weapons such as cutlasses, battle axes, dagars and knives, cultist insignia, assorted charms, eleven (11) bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six (6) mobile phones.

The Lagos police noted that the operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities. Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 150 suspected criminals and recovered 100 unregistered motorcycles, firearms, suspected stolen property and illicit drugs during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts in the Igando area of the State.

The operation, conducted under the Command’s ongoing Operation KO S’AYE, took place at about 5:45am on Sunday at Boolar, Okofilling Bus Stop, Igando, and other identified black spots within the Area M, Idimu axis.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the raid followed credible intelligence and involved a joint team of operatives drawn from different formations of the command.

He said the operation was aimed at flushing out hoodlums and other criminal elements allegedly terrorising the area.

Adebisi said a total of 150 suspects were arrested during the raid, while officers recovered 100 unregistered motorcycles, 54 mobile phones, one double-barrel gun, two single-barrel guns, one locally made double-barrel short gun, two military camouflage uniforms, assorted charms, six generators suspected to have been stolen, as well as substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.

“All the suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual culpability. Those found to have committed criminal offences will be charged to court accordingly,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and dedication during the operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KO S’AYE across the State to deny criminals safe havens and improve public safety.

“The operation will be sustained across the State to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents,” the police commissioner said.

He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in identifying criminal hideouts, apprehending offenders and enhancing security across Lagos State.

The command urged members of the public to report emergencies and credible information through its designated emergency telephone lines.

The masquerade stamped its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of Southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Okonjo-Iweala immediately caught the rhythm.

She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.