Police arrest scores of suspected cultists, kidnappers in nationwide crackdown

The Nigeria Police Force has intensified coordinated operations across several states, leading to the arrest of scores of suspected cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal suspects as part of ongoing efforts to improve public safety.

The nationwide operations, carried out by various state commands, resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons and other exhibits, while several kidnap victims were rescued from captivity.

In Lagos State, police operatives under Operation Ko S’AYE III raided identified criminal hideouts and black spots, arresting 147 suspects during the exercise. The operation also led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, live ammunition, 250 expended cartridges, 22 machetes, battle axes, knives and suspected illicit drugs.

Police also arrested three suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity in Imota, including Jelili Adeyemo, who investigators identified as the alleged armourer of the group.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs and preventing violent crimes across the state.

In Imo State, police announced the arrest of 12 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related offences. The command said three kidnapped victims were rescued during separate operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, officers also recovered an AK-47 rifle, four locally fabricated pistols, two double-barrel shotguns and other incriminating items during raids on suspected criminal hideouts.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping syndicates and other violent criminal groups operating within the state.

Meanwhile, in Niger State, police operatives recorded breakthroughs against suspected cattle rustlers, car thieves and highway robbers during separate intelligence-led operations.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said officers, working with local vigilantes, intercepted suspected cattle rustlers who had attacked a livestock settlement in Lambata, recovered stolen cattle and arrested suspects who have since been charged to court.

The police said the operations form part of broader efforts to curb cult violence, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes across the country. Authorities urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing investigations and crime prevention efforts.

The latest arrests underscore the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed campaign against organised crime as security agencies seek to dismantle criminal networks and improve safety in communities across the country.