By Emmanuel Daniji

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Command, has arrested three suspected cultists allegedly operating between Lagos and Ogun states.

A locally made double-barrel, cut-to-size pistol was also recovered from one of the suspects during the operation.

The command’s spokesperson, Gbenga Afolayan, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

According to Afolayan, the arrests followed information received from a member of the public concerning the activities of suspected cult members around Ikorodu and its environs in Lagos.

He said detectives attached to the command’s Quick Intervention Squad subsequently placed the suspects under surveillance before launching a coordinated operation on September 3.

The operation led to the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect in Ifo, Ogun State. Information obtained from him during the investigation reportedly led detectives to two other suspects in Ikorodu, Lagos.

Afolayan said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect arrested in Ifo allegedly served as a link between the other two suspects.

The police spokesperson added that the firearm was recovered from one of the suspects, who reportedly told investigators that a friend currently at large had given him the weapon.

The suspect also allegedly confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity, alongside the two other suspects.

Afolayan said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network, adding that the suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of investigations.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their diligence and the recovery of the firearm.

Jimoh, according to Afolayan, stressed the importance of removing firearms from the hands of criminal elements as part of efforts to safeguard lives and property.

He also directed the operatives to intensify efforts to track down other members of the alleged network.

The Zone 2 Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos and Ogun states, warning that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate with impunity.

The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through official police complaint channels.