By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated operations across parts of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Adebisi said that the operations targeted cultism and illegal arms proliferation in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ilasan, Okoko, Ogba and Iju areas.

“Four suspects were apprehended in Ikorodu following credible intelligence linking them to cult activities, with preliminary findings indicating ties to the Buccaneers Confraternity.

“In Lagos Island, nine suspects were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout, while five suspects were apprehended in Ilasan in connection with the cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson.

“One suspect linked to the Eiye Confraternity was also arrested in Okoko with a firearm.

“Four additional suspects were arrested in Ogba and Iju for involvement in illegal cult gatherings, assault and other violent crimes, with weapons used in the attacks recovered,” she said.

The spokesperson added that some victims of the attacks were currently receiving medical attention.

She said exhibits recovered during the operations included five locally made pistols, one toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, three expended cartridges, as well as police and army camouflage face caps and a jack knife.

According to her, the suspects, who are between the ages of 18 and 43, will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

The image maker said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, reiterated the command’s commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes in the state.

Adebisi urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information through the command’s emergency lines.

“Report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870 and 09168630929,” she said. (NAN)