Lagos, Nigeria — Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and armed robbers during a targeted dawn operation in the Odogunyan axis of Ikorodu.
Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said in a statement that the suspects were picked up around 5:30 a.m. during a raid by the Command’s Bullock Tactical Team acting on credible intelligence.
Those arrested were identified as Fadiya Ayodele (27), Lawal Rasheed (28), Akerele Demilare (27), Alimi Victor (23), Okiki Alufoge (25), Nurudeen Dolapo (25), Agboola Samuel (25), and Ayolade Victor (25).
Exhibits recovered at the scene included a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, a battle axe, an assault dagger, several charms, and $3,000 in counterfeit U.S. dollar bills, according to the police.
During preliminary interrogation, Ayodele allegedly confessed to being the leader of the Eiye Confraternity in the area and claimed he had earlier handed a locally made pistol to one Adewunmi Annadex, who is currently at large. Police said a manhunt is underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.
Commending the tactical team for the operation, Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crime. “The Command will continue to sustain its intelligence-driven operations and make Lagos State uncomfortable for criminals,” he said.
The suspects are being profiled and further interrogated at the Command headquarters. The police added that they would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
