The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected cultist and alleged armed robber in Ebute Metta, recovering a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and traditional charms during the operation.

Police said the suspect, identified as Odeshola Afeez, 22, was arrested after residents reported that a young man was harassing members of the public and causing panic in the area.

According to the command, officers responded swiftly to the distress call and apprehended the suspect at the scene.

A search conducted during the arrest reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made firearm, one cartridge, and charms allegedly concealed on him.

Why It Matters

Cult-related violence and armed robbery remain major security concerns in parts of Lagos and other urban centres across Nigeria.

Security analysts say rapid police responses to public distress calls can help prevent violent incidents and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

The latest arrest highlights ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities and dismantle cult groups accused of threatening public safety.

What Police Said

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Lagos State Police Command said preliminary investigations suggest the suspect was known to security agencies and residents in the area.

The statement said:

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a notorious cultist who had allegedly been terrorising residents and engaging in activities capable of disturbing public peace.”

Police further stated that the suspect had allegedly evaded arrest on previous occasions before being apprehended during the latest operation.

Commissioner Commends Officers

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, praised the officers involved in the operation.

According to the statement:

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, commends the prompt response and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.”

The police chief reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes across Lagos State.

Public Cooperation Remains Critical

Security experts frequently stress that intelligence provided by residents is often key to preventing crimes and tracking suspects.

The Lagos Police Command encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies.

Community leaders have also repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between residents, local authorities, and security agencies to address rising concerns over youth involvement in cult-related activities.

What Happens Next?

Police say investigations are continuing and that the suspect will be charged in accordance with the law if sufficient evidence is established.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional suspects linked to the case are being sought.

The outcome of the investigation could provide further insight into alleged cult activities in the Ebute Metta area and whether wider criminal networks are involved.

Police in Ogun State say they have dismantled a suspected transnational criminal network accused of staging a fake kidnapping to extort ransom from family members living abroad.

The operation, carried out by detectives attached to the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters, led to the arrest of eight foreign nationals allegedly linked to the scheme in Adiyan Town, Agbado area of Ogun State.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, the suspects include nationals from Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Ivory Coast and the Republic of Benin.

Authorities say the investigation began after a report that a 23-year-old Mauritanian man, identified as Cheik El-Mehdi, contacted relatives overseas claiming he had been kidnapped in Nigeria and needed ransom money to secure his release.

Police allege that another suspect, Zakaria Zawadogo, reinforced the demand by threatening that the purported victim would be killed if payment was not made.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The Ogun State Police Command said detectives launched an intelligence-led investigation immediately after receiving the report.

According to police findings, technical intelligence traced the suspects to a hideout in Adiyan Town.

Officers subsequently arrested Zakaria Zawadogo, who allegedly led investigators to the location where the other suspects were found and taken into custody.

Police identified the remaining suspects as Suren Neta, Koffi Breno, Gondo Treso, Kunuji Ezekiel, Kougasi John and Hemue Blinsi.

Investigators secured and searched the premises as part of the operation.

Police Claim Kidnapping Was Staged

Preliminary findings suggest the alleged kidnapping was orchestrated as part of a coordinated fraud scheme targeting family members living outside Nigeria.

Police said investigations revealed that Suren Neta allegedly lured Cheik El-Mehdi into Nigeria, while Zakaria Zawadogo coordinated ransom demands and threats intended to pressure relatives into making payments.

Authorities further alleged that the supposed victim actively participated in planning the fake abduction.

The police said the principal suspects have confessed to their involvement, although the claims have not yet been tested in court.

Why This Matters

The case highlights growing concerns among security experts about the evolution of cross-border fraud networks operating across West Africa.

Security analysts say criminals are increasingly exploiting modern communication platforms and emotional manipulation tactics to target victims and their families across international borders.

The alleged scheme also underscores the challenges law enforcement agencies face in tackling transnational organised crime, particularly when multiple countries are involved.

Experts note that fake kidnapping scams have become more sophisticated globally, often relying on psychological pressure, fabricated evidence and urgent ransom demands to deceive victims.

Police Commend Detectives

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the operation.

He said: “The case highlights the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal activities and reaffirms the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and sustained operations against organized crime.”

The commissioner also commended the professionalism and swift response of detectives led by CSP Olabisi Kamorudeen, saying their intelligence-led efforts helped uncover the alleged scheme before any ransom payment could be secured.

Public Urged to Remain Vigilant

The Ogun State Police Command urged residents to be cautious when confronted with kidnapping claims involving demands for urgent financial transfers.

Police advised members of the public to verify such reports through official channels and promptly report suspicious activities.

Authorities added that investigations are continuing to determine whether the suspects may have links to other criminal networks operating across national borders.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

The Ogun State Police Command says it has uncovered fresh leads in an ongoing investigation after two suspects arrested in Ijebu-Ode were linked to a kidnapping and murder case in Edo State.

Police said the suspects, identified as Gafaru Adamu, 25, and Muhammed Sanni, 20, were apprehended in the Atiba area of Ijebu-Ode following intelligence-led operations conducted by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are wanted in connection with a kidnapping incident in the Okada area of Edo State in which two hostages were reportedly murdered.

Why it matters

Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, with criminal groups often operating across state boundaries.

The latest arrest highlights the growing importance of intelligence-sharing and collaboration between state police commands in tracking suspected criminals who move across jurisdictions.

Police said further intelligence gathered during the investigation suggests that the two suspects are members of a seven-man kidnapping syndicate allegedly linked to the Edo State case.

Police recover camouflage, mobile phones

During the operation, officers recovered a pair of police camouflage uniform and three mobile phones from the suspects.

The Command said the items have been documented and taken into custody as exhibits to support ongoing investigations.

“The exhibits have been properly documented and taken into custody to aid further investigation,” the statement said.

Security experts say the recovery of police-related materials raises concerns about the possible misuse of security uniforms by criminal groups to evade detection or gain victims’ trust during operations.

Suspects to be transferred to Edo

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that the alleged crimes under investigation occurred outside Ogun State and that the suspects would be transferred to Edo State for further action.

“Consequently, in line with established inter-state policing procedures and existing collaboration among State Police Commands, the suspects and all recovered exhibits will be transferred to the Edo State Police Command, which has primary jurisdiction over the matter, for further investigation and other necessary legal processes,” the statement added.

Legal analysts note that transferring suspects to the state where the alleged offences occurred is standard procedure and helps investigators consolidate evidence and witness testimonies.

Police commend operatives

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised officers involved in the operation for what he described as professionalism and effective intelligence gathering.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to prevent criminal elements from using Ogun State as a hideout or transit point for unlawful activities,” he said.

He also assured residents that police would continue deploying intelligence-led policing strategies and strengthening collaboration with neighbouring commands to improve public safety.

Public urged to support investigations

The police called on residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Authorities said public cooperation remains critical to tackling kidnapping, violent crime and other security threats across the country.

For emergencies, residents can contact the Ogun State Police Command through its Gateway Shield toll-free line and other designated emergency numbers.

What happens next?

Investigators in Edo State are expected to take over the case as authorities continue efforts to identify and apprehend other suspected members of the alleged seven-man kidnapping syndicate.

Police have not yet announced whether additional arrests are expected, but officials say investigations remain ongoing.