162 suspected cultists arrested in Lagos

LAGOS— A total of 162 persons were arrested, weekend, on  Lagos Island  during a joint raid by security agencies, aimed at curbing activities of cultists  and hoodlums in the area.

The coordinated raids were carried out by policemen from divisions under the Area ‘A’ command, Lion Building, those from the Special Anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja, Police Mobile Squad 20, Directorate of State Security, DSS,  the Military and members of Neighbourhood Watch.

Sources said the operatives  stormed hideouts of suspected cultists between 9 p.m, and 10.30 p.m. Among those arrested were two females.

Areas raided included LUTA, Bamgboshe, Masey, Oja-Oba and Adeniji Adele under bridge.

Although it could not be ascertained whether those arrested were members of any cult group, but sources told Vanguard that they were being interrogated, at the end of which the innocent ones among them would be released.

The raid, as gathered, was part of  measures to check excesses of cult groups in the area and also to ensure they do not have a foot hold on the Island.

Sources further told vanguard that the raid became necessary following intelligence report from residents of the area, some of which were said to have been gripped by trepidation over activities of cultists which most times resulted into violent clashes.

“ We acted on tip off. And that is why we had to engage the services of  members of the neighborhood watch in the raid. From the raided hideouts, it was evident that  some of them could be members of confraternity groups.  But that will be determined at the end of investigation”, Police sources said, adding that the raid would be a continuous one.

-vanguard