The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of the notorious Aye Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation in the Ago/Festac Bridge area of the state, recovering a cache of items including 500 SIM cards, weapons, military camouflage and suspected hard drugs.
The police said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism, violent crime and other criminal activities across Lagos.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to her, the arrests began during a routine stop-and-search exercise carried out by police operatives along the Ago/Festac Bridge corridor, an area that has witnessed increased security surveillance in recent months.
She explained that officers intercepted a Toyota Camry XLE saloon car carrying two young men whose movements aroused suspicion.
A search of the vehicle, she said, led to the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs.
“The police operatives intercepted a Toyota Camry XLE saloon car conveying two suspects. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of substances suspected to be hard drugs,” Adebisi stated.
She said the two suspects confessed during preliminary interrogation that they were members of the Aye Confraternity, prompting investigators to expand the operation.
According to the police spokesperson, information obtained from the initial suspects led officers to three additional suspects believed to be members of the same cult group.
The three were subsequently arrested in follow-up operations.
Adebisi said police recovered several items believed to be linked to criminal activities during the operation.
The recovered exhibits include military camouflage uniforms, two machetes, one battle axe, one knife, 500 SIM cards, five mobile phones, five laptop computers, charms and additional substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Investigators are expected to carry out forensic examinations on the electronic devices and SIM cards to determine whether they were used in criminal activities.
Although the police did not immediately disclose the purpose for which the suspects allegedly possessed the 500 SIM cards, security experts have in the past linked the use of multiple registered SIM cards to offences such as internet fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, financial crimes and other organised criminal activities.
The police, however, said investigations were still ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities.
According to Adebisi, all five suspects are between the ages of 20 and 28.
She added that each of them admitted during interrogation to being members of the Aye Confraternity.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the arrests, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid the state of cult-related violence and other crimes.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
He also urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.
According to the police, timely intelligence from residents remains one of the most effective tools in preventing crime and improving public security.
Adebisi appealed to Lagos residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, criminal activities or emergencies to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
She encouraged members of the public to make use of the designated emergency telephone lines whenever they have credible information that could assist police investigations or prevent crimes.
The Lagos State Police Command also reiterated that community policing and public cooperation remain central to its strategy for combating criminal activities across the state.
Cultism has remained one of the major security concerns in several parts of Nigeria, particularly in urban centres and higher institutions.
Originally formed decades ago as student organisations in universities, many cult groups have evolved into violent criminal gangs involved in armed robbery, murder, drug trafficking, extortion, land disputes and political violence.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that cult groups now operate beyond school campuses and have established networks in many communities.
In Lagos, police authorities have intensified operations against suspected cult members through intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted raids.
The command has recorded several arrests in recent months as part of efforts to reduce cult-related clashes that often result in loss of lives and destruction of property.
They also stress the importance of closer collaboration between security agencies and residents in identifying and disrupting criminal networks before they carry out attacks.
The latest arrests come as the Lagos State Government and security agencies continue to strengthen measures aimed at making the state safer for residents and businesses.
Authorities have consistently urged young people to stay away from cult groups, warning that membership often exposes them to violent crimes, lengthy prison sentences and, in many cases, loss of life.
With investigations still ongoing, police say they are working to determine whether the suspects are connected to other criminal activities or wider cult networks operating within and outside Lagos State.