Lagos State Police Command has successfully foiled an alleged cult initiation ceremony in Egbeda, Lagos, arresting four suspected cultists during a covert midnight operation that also led to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition, and dangerous weapons. The operation, carried out on Thursday, targeted a suspected Eiye Confraternity gathering based on credible intelligence. Officers apprehended the suspects and seized one locally made cut-to-size pistol, one English Beretta pistol loaded with 10 live cartridges, and a jack knife. The suspects, identified as Nurudeen Ganiu, 34; Oluwaleke Fagbula, 38; Emmanuel Silas, 41; and Nurudeen Abdullahi, 41, are linked to cult-related violence and criminal activities in Alimosho and surrounding communities.
The police operation was launched after receiving intelligence about the planned midnight initiation ceremony. Acting swiftly, operatives conducted a surprise raid that resulted in the immediate arrest of the suspects. Investigations revealed that one of the suspects is an alleged cult gang leader and a rusticated student from a university in Ogun State, who was expelled in 2022 for involvement in cult activities. Authorities also confirmed that the group had been terrorising residents in Egbeda and nearby areas through thuggery and violent attacks.
According to the police, the suspects confessed to being active members of the Eiye Confraternity, a notorious secret cult known for its violent operations. The gang reportedly used motorcycles to launch surprise attacks on unsuspecting residents and disrupt public gatherings at gunpoint. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CPTijani Fatai, praised the operatives for their professionalism and quick response, which contributed to the success of the mission. He emphasized that the command remains fully committed to curbing cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
Fatai urged the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines. He stressed the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and security. The police have also vowed to intensify operations against cult groups and other criminal elements operating in Lagos. This latest crackdown follows a series of similar operations aimed at dismantling cult networks and reducing violence in urban areas.
The recovery of firearms and the arrest of known cult members send a strong message to criminal elements. Residents of Egbeda and surrounding communities are expected to feel safer as law enforcement continues to target organized crime. The police’s proactive approach underscores their dedication to ensuring public safety and restoring order in high-risk zones. With ongoing investigations, more individuals linked to the group may be apprehended in the coming days.
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