By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested suspected cultists in Lagos State and apprehended suspects in separate cases of alleged child defilement, rape and murder in Ogun State as part of its operational successes recorded within 24 hours.
According to an operational summary signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, the arrests formed part of a series of police operations across six states and the Federal Capital Territory aimed at tackling criminal activities and strengthening public safety.
In Lagos, police tactical operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested four suspected cultists allegedly preparing to launch a reprisal attack in Ilogbo, Apapa Road.
The operatives also recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs from the suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for investigation.
In a separate operation in Orile, police operatives raided criminal hideouts and arrested two suspected cultists. A locally made pistol was recovered from one of the suspects, who was allegedly linked to a previous shooting incident.
The SCID, Panti, is also investigating the case.
In Ogun State, police detectives arrested a 19-year-old suspect over the alleged defilement of a five-year-old girl. The police said a medical examination confirmed penetration, while the suspect reportedly confessed to the offence.
The case is being investigated by the SCID, Eleweran.
The police also arrested two suspects over the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl in the state. The victim was taken for medical examination, while the suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
In another incident, two suspects were arrested in connection with an assault that reportedly resulted in the death of a 46-year-old man. The suspects are in custody and assisting detectives with the ongoing murder investigation.
Beyond Lagos and Ogun, the police recorded additional operational successes in Taraba, Akwa Ibom and Delta states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
In Taraba, two principal suspects were arrested over an alleged attack on a police outstation and vandalisation of parts of the facility. Investigators also documented photographs of the damaged police post and injured cattle.
In Akwa Ibom, police operatives arrested a suspected cult leader allegedly linked to an earlier cult-related incident. The police said previously arrested gang members identified the suspect as their leader and the owner of a recovered firearm.
In Abuja, surveillance operatives arrested a suspect allegedly caught vandalising a solar streetlight pole. A suspected receiver of the vandalised materials was also arrested, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend another alleged accomplice.
Meanwhile, in Delta State, police arrested two drivers in separate fatal road incidents along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. The vehicles involved were recovered for inspection, while traffic operatives documented the scenes and commenced investigations.
The police said the cases were being handled by the relevant investigative units, including the State Motor Traffic Division in Asaba.
The Force reiterated its commitment to combating crime, protecting lives and property, and urged members of the public to provide credible information to support ongoing security operations.
