The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during a series of coordinated raids across multiple parts of the state.

The operations, carried out in Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju, targeted cult groups and illegal arms networks, according to a statement issued on 17 April 2026.

Police said the raids were part of an ongoing crackdown on cult-related violence, which has raised concerns in several communities.

How the arrests happened

In Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following intelligence reports linking them to cult activities.

Preliminary findings suggest they are affiliated with the Buccaneers Confraternity, also known as the Sea Lords.

On Lagos Island, nine suspects were detained during a raid on what police described as a criminal hideout.

In Ilasan, five individuals were arrested in connection with the killing of Emmanuel Obioson, a case authorities say is linked to cult rivalry.

Police also arrested one suspect in Okoko allegedly tied to the Eiye Confraternity, who was found in possession of a firearm.

In Ogba and Iju, four more suspects were apprehended over alleged involvement in illegal gatherings, assault, and other violent crimes.

Weapons and items recovered

Police said the recovered items include five locally made pistols, a toy pistol, 15 live cartridges, and three spent cartridges.

Other items recovered include police and army camouflage caps and a jackknife.

Police statement

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Tijani Fatai, said the command remains committed to tackling cultism and violent crime across the state.

“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes,” the statement said.

Residents were urged to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information through emergency lines.

Why it matters

Cult-related violence has been a recurring security challenge in parts of Lagos, often leading to fatalities, injuries, and disruption of local communities.

Security analysts say coordinated crackdowns like this can disrupt criminal networks but warn that sustained intelligence gathering and community cooperation are key to long-term success.

Industry and public reactions

Security experts say the recovery of firearms highlights the continued circulation of illegal weapons in urban areas.

What’s next

Police say investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.

Authorities also signalled that further operations may be carried out in other parts of the state.

The Nigeria Police Force’s Schools Protection Squad (SPS) has been praised by Save the Children for its growing role in improving school safety, strengthening rapid response systems, and supporting safer learning environments across the country.

Why it matters

School attacks and insecurity have disrupted education in parts of Nigeria in recent years, forcing thousands of children out of classrooms.

Efforts like the SPS are seen as critical to restoring confidence in the education system and ensuring children can learn without fear.

Save the Children commends Nigeria Police

The Country Director of Save the Children, Duncan Harvey, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, SPS, CP Abayomi Shogunle, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The visit was part of ongoing collaboration between both organisations to strengthen the implementation of the Safe School Declaration in Nigeria.

Harvey said the Squad had played a key role in advancing child protection and improving safety standards in schools nationwide.

“The Squad has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s national agenda to address the challenges facing children, while ensuring they learn in safe, secure, and violence-free environments.”

Nigeria gaining global recognition

According to Save the Children, Nigeria is now being recognised globally for its approach to implementing the Safe Schools Declaration.

The organisation disclosed that the country will host international delegates under the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), who will study Nigeria’s model.

The Schools Protection Squad is expected to showcase its operational strategies and field-level impact during the visit.

International interest grows

Global attention on Nigeria’s progress is also increasing, with Norway expressing interest in the country’s school safety efforts.

Following discussions at the Fifth International Safe Schools Declaration Conference in Kenya, top Norwegian officials are planning a visit to Nigeria.

The delegation is expected to include the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Norway and the Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Norway.

They will visit the SPS headquarters to gain firsthand insight into its operations.

Police reaffirm commitment

Responding, CP Abayomi Shogunle welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to school safety.

“We remain committed to strengthening school protection, community safety, and sustained collaboration with educational stakeholders.”

The police said ensuring safe and secure schools for all learners remains a national priority.

About Save the Children

Save the Children operates in over 120 countries and has been active in Nigeria since 2001.

The organisation runs programmes focused on child protection, healthcare, resilience building, safe schools, and humanitarian response across 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

What’s next

Nigeria is expected to host international delegations in the coming months, further positioning the country as a model for school safety initiatives in Africa.

Experts say sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, and international organisations will be key to maintaining progress.

The Lagos State Police Command has urged applicants in the ongoing 2025 constable recruitment exercise to complete their screening before the April 18 deadline.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Tijani Fatai, made the call during a visit to the screening centre at Police College Ikeja, where the exercise is currently underway.

The screening, which began on March 9, is part of a nationwide effort to recruit new personnel into the Nigeria Police Force.

Why it matters

The recruitment exercise is critical to strengthening policing capacity in Nigeria, where authorities have faced increasing pressure to improve security and public trust.

Officials say a transparent and merit-based recruitment process is key to addressing concerns about fairness and accountability in law enforcement.

Commissioner assesses process

During his visit, Mr Fatai met with representatives of the Police Service Commission, the Federal Character Commission, and the Police Community Relations Committee.

The agencies are overseeing the process to ensure it is transparent and credible.

“The exercise aligns with the vision and directives of the Inspector-General of Police towards entrenching a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process,” he said.

Mr Fatai also expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the screening exercise, praising officials for maintaining professionalism.

Call to applicants

The Lagos police chief warned that applicants who fail to attend the screening before the deadline may be disqualified.

“Applicants who are yet to appear should avail themselves of this opportunity before the exercise closes,” he said.

He reassured the public that the Lagos Police Command remains committed to fairness throughout the process.

What’s next

The screening exercise is expected to conclude on April 18, after which successful candidates will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Authorities have not yet announced when final selections or training will begin.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say recruitment exercises like this are essential but must go beyond numbers.

They argue that training, welfare, and accountability systems are equally important to improving policing outcomes in Nigeria.