In a major crackdown on criminal activities across Lagos State, the police have arrested no fewer than fifty suspected cult members and recovered thirty-six exotic vehicles linked to various crimes, including armed robbery, car theft, and advance fee fraud.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday while outlining the command’s achievements in recent months. He also assured residents of enhanced security measures and intensified surveillance across the state.
Jimoh revealed that eighty-two firearms were recovered from the arrested suspects, many of whom were apprehended during targeted raids in areas with recurring cult-related violence.
“More than twenty-three cultists were arrested in connection with recent disturbances, while over fifty were nabbed by our newly formed anti-cultism squads,” the police commissioner stated.
He added that some of the cultists are currently in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Among the recovered vehicles were luxury models such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, with some valued at ₦250 million and ₦350 million respectively. The commissioner explained that the 36 vehicles were linked to various illicit operations, including:
- Vehicles stolen at gunpoint,
- Cars diverted by entrusted drivers,
- Automobiles fraudulently acquired through advance fee scams, and
- Vehicles smuggled from other states for illegal export via Lagos.
“These vehicles displayed here today are exotic, some worth several hundreds of millions of naira,” Jimoh said. “Some were already en route to the state’s borders for illegal export. Others had been sold, but we were able to trace and recover them.”
The police boss also confirmed the recovery of a large cache of assorted firearms and ammunition from the suspects.
He called on members of the public, especially those whose vehicles were stolen or diverted under suspicious circumstances, to visit the command headquarters for identification and possible recovery.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to securing the lives and property of all residents and visitors. We urge continued cooperation from the public as we strengthen our operations,” Jimoh added.