The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested three suspected cultists linked to an alleged criminal network operating between Lagos and Ogun states, recovering a locally fabricated double-barrel cut-to-size pistol in the process.
The arrests followed intelligence from a member of the public about suspected cult activities allegedly terrorising residents of Ikorodu and its environs.
Acting on the information, detectives attached to the Zonal Quick Intervention Squad commenced surveillance before launching a coordinated operation on September 3, 2026. The operation led to the arrest of 33-year-old Michael Badejo, also known as Senior, at Ifo, Ogun State.
Police said Badejo’s arrest subsequently facilitated the apprehension of two other suspects in Ikorodu, Lagos State — 36-year-old Fatai Oladipupo, also known as Labalaba, and 46-year-old Kamarudeen Salau, also known as Otunba, a security guard in Ikorodu.
A locally fabricated double-barrel cut-to-size pistol was also recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, showed that Badejo, who is based in Ogun State, allegedly served as the link between Oladipupo and Salau.
Investigators said Oladipupo had contacted Badejo to repair a firearm in his possession, after which Badejo allegedly introduced him to Salau for the purported repair. Instead, Salau allegedly offered to buy the firearm from Oladipupo.
During interrogation, Oladipupo reportedly claimed that a friend, who is currently at large, gave him the pistol. Police also said he confessed to being a member of the Eiye confraternity, alongside the two other arrested suspects.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the alleged network, while the suspects in custody would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Headquarters, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, commended the operatives for the operation and recovery of the firearm.
Jimoh said removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminal elements was critical to public safety, directing the operatives to sustain the operation and intensify efforts to track down other members of the network.
The Zone 2 Police Command said it would continue operations against cultism, violent crime and other criminal activities across Lagos and Ogun states, while urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through official police channels.