The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of its readiness to maintain law and order as the state braces for potential unrest linked to the annual “Cult Day” celebration, observed on July 7.
In a statement issued Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, warned that security operatives are fully mobilised to prevent any outbreak of violence associated with the day, which is historically marred by deadly clashes and reprisals among rival cult groups.
“Based on credible intelligence, some cult groups plan to launch attacks and reprisals on July 7,” Jimoh said. “The Command is fully prepared to maintain law and order. No group will be allowed to breach the peace.”
The Commissioner confirmed the deployment of Anti-Cultism Squads, Special Tactical Units, the Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Department, and other specialised units across the state to forestall any attacks.
He added that a series of preventive and intelligence-led strategies had been put in place to guarantee public safety.
As part of these efforts, the police on Sunday raided suspected cult hideouts in the Mushin area of the state, where 52 suspects were arrested while allegedly preparing for coordinated attacks.
“All suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Jimoh said.
He also issued a stern warning to hotel operators and recreational facility managers, urging them not to allow their premises to be used for cult gatherings or criminal meetings.
“Any establishment found aiding or harbouring cultists will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Jimoh appealed to parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards, warning of the grave legal consequences of involvement in cultism.
On Sunday, the Commissioner convened a high-level operational meeting with heads of the Anti-Cultism and Tactical Units at the Command Headquarters to fine-tune their strategy for Monday’s security operations.
He urged Lagosians to go about their lawful activities without fear and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the police via emergency numbers: 08063299264 or 08065154338.
“The Command’s crime prevention and detective units remain on high alert and committed to protecting all residents,” Jimoh assured.
