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 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.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has received newly gazetted Nigeria Police Force regulations, marking what authorities describe as a major step in reforming policing in the country

The regulations were handed over on 15 April 2026 by the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, at a ceremony in Abuja.

Officials say the move is aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism and rights-based policing.

Professor Olu Ogunsakin, who heads the Police Reform Secretariat, said the development bridges the gap between the Police Act 2020 and real-world police operations.

“The gazettement of the Regulations bridges the gap between the Police Act, 2020 and operational realities, effectively transitioning the reform agenda from policy to implementation,” he said.

Why it matters

The reforms come amid ongoing public scrutiny of policing standards in Nigeria, where concerns over accountability and human rights have persisted.

In his address, Mr Gaidam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing reforms aligned with national security priorities.

Mr Disu described the regulations as a “major milestone,” adding that they provide “a clear framework for professional, accountable, and rights-based policing.”

“The Nigeria Police Force will ensure immediate implementation through force-wide dissemination, integration into training and operational frameworks, and strict enforcement across all Commands and Formations,” he said.

He also stressed that accountability would remain central to the reforms.

Stakeholders present included representatives from the Police Service Commission, National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Development Programme.

Cybercrime crackdown: major arrests announced

Alongside reform efforts, the Nigeria Police Force announced significant breakthroughs in cybercrime investigations led by the National Cybercrime Centre.

Police said they dismantled a cross-border fraud syndicate involving a suspect who allegedly impersonated a World Bank official.

The suspect, Agbor Martins Black-Diamond, is accused of defrauding victims in Kenya of $250,000 over three years through false promises of donor funding.

Authorities said victims were persuaded to pay “registration and administrative fees” for non-existent grants, with some even taking loans against family property.

Investigators also allege the suspect organised fake symposiums in Nigeria and South Africa to maintain the scheme.

Business email fraud and insider crimes

In a separate case, police arrested a former employee accused of diverting company funds through unauthorised system access and cybersquatting.

Another investigation led to the arrest of two suspects over a business email compromise (BEC) scheme involving ₦85 million.

Police said the suspects exploited internal systems to siphon funds, with part of the money allegedly spent on online gambling.

Recovered items included cash, vehicles and electronic devices, while efforts continue to trace the remaining funds.

Industry and security implications

Experts say the twin focus on reform and enforcement signals a broader attempt to restore public trust and attract investment.

Cybercrime, particularly business email compromise, has become a growing concern for companies operating in Nigeria and acro

The police said the crackdown demonstrates its commitment to protecting the country’s digital economy and foreign investment.

“Nigeria is not a safe haven for cybercriminals,” Mr Disu said, adding that the force would pursue offenders “domestic or foreign.”

What’s next

Authorities say the new police regulations will be implemented immediately across all commands.

Meanwhile, investigations into the cybercrime cases are ongoing, with prosecutions expected.

The police also say they are working to recover stolen funds and strengthen partnerships with international agencies.