Lagos Police Smash 7/7 Cult Plot, Arrest 135 Suspects, Recover 26 Firearm

ByNewsmakers

Jul 8, 2026 #135 suspected cultists arrested, #26 firearms recovered, #7/7 cult celebration, #CP Tijani Fatai, #Lagos crime crackdown, #Lagos Police, #Operation against cultism

Lagos Police struck before cult gangs could strike. A sweeping 7/7 operation coordinated by CP Tijani Fatai netted 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms, foiling planned attacks across the state.

Matilda Omonaiye/

The Police in Lagos have foiled what authorities described as planned cult-related violence linked to the notorious “7/7” celebration and initiation rites, arresting 135 suspected cultists during coordinated raids across the state.

The operation, carried out simultaneously by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also led to the recovery of 26 firearms, dangerous weapons, illicit drugs and other items believed to be used by criminal gangs.

The statewide crackdown was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, following credible intelligence that rival cult groups were mobilising to unleash attacks and other violent crimes under the guise of the annual 7/7 cult celebration.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, operatives stormed identified criminal hideouts and black spots in a pre-emptive operation aimed at neutralising threats before they could materialise.

Items recovered during the raids included 26 firearms, 16 dangerous weapons comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic beverages, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.

Police said intelligence reports had revealed that rival cult groups were planning coordinated attacks and other criminal activities, prompting the command to launch the operation to forestall violence and safeguard residents.

The command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs still at large.

It added that all 135 suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the operation underscores the command’s determination to deny criminal elements any opportunity to disrupt public peace and assured Lagos residents that security operations would continue across the state to keep communities safe.