Crime
PHOTOS: Lagos: Police arrest 135 suspected cultists, recover 26 firearms in coordinated raids
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids carried out across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in different parts of the state.
A statement by the command said the operation, which was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, MNIPS, followed credible intelligence on plans by rival cult groups to engage in violence linked to the July 7 (7/7) cult celebration and initiation.
The coordinated raids were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
According to the police, the operation was aimed at preventing cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.
During the exercise, officers arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms.
Other items recovered included 16 dangerous weapons, comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.
“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities,” the statement said.
The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs who are still at large.
It also stated that the suspects currently in custody would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
“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 statement noted.
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Crime
PHOTOS: “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts: Suspects arrested for alleged thuggery, drug possession – Borno police
The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.
The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance,” the statement read.
“Brief of the Case:On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
“The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
“Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.”
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The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
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