Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms during coordinated raids carried out across identified criminal hideouts and black spots in different parts of the state.

A statement by the command said the operation, which was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, MNIPS, followed credible intelligence on plans by rival cult groups to engage in violence linked to the July 7 (7/7) cult celebration and initiation.

The coordinated raids were carried out by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders and operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to the police, the operation was aimed at preventing cult-related violence and other criminal activities across the state.

During the exercise, officers arrested 135 suspected cultists and recovered 26 firearms.

Other items recovered included 16 dangerous weapons, comprising cutlasses, battle axes, daggers and knives, cult insignia, assorted charms, 11 bottles of different alcoholic brands, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, as well as six mobile phones.

“The operation followed intelligence indicating plans by rival cult groups to launch attacks and engage in other criminal activities,” the statement said.

The Command added that investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the criminal gangs who are still at large.

It also stated that the suspects currently in custody would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

“Investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal gangs, while the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement noted.

No fewer than seven people have been killed and 53 others injured following a devastating windstorm that swept across parts of Jigawa State.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Hannafi Yakubu Fagam, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Wednesday at his office in the State Secretariat, Dutse.

Fagam said the disaster affected 5,403 households in 120 communities across 13 local government areas.

The affected councils include Dutse, Miga, Gwaram, Birnin Kudu, Ringim, Kiyawa, Babura, Kiri-Kasamma, Buji, Kaugama, Gumel, Gagarawa and Sule Tankarkar.

According to him, four of the deaths occurred in Dutse Local Government Area, while one fatality each was recorded in Miga, Ringim and Sule Tankarkar local government areas.

He added that the windstorm also caused extensive damage to public infrastructure, destroying more than 47 primary and secondary schools, three hospitals, two police stations, numerous residential buildings and other property.

The SEMA boss said the Jigawa State Government had already approved funds for emergency intervention and the distribution of relief materials to affected victims across the state.

He appealed to international development partners, national organisations and well-meaning members of the public to support the government’s efforts in providing assistance to those affected.

A woman identified as Mbayegh has been arrested following an alleged arson attack that led to the deaths of the two teenage daughters of her lover in the Kaffe area of Zaki-Biam, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

A resident, Afaakaa Sankera, said the suspect allegedly visited the residence of one Aondoyima Ierkwagh, said to be her lover, on Sunday night but was reportedly asked to leave the premises.

Witnesses alleged that the woman refused to leave after suspecting that another woman was inside the house, leading to an argument.

It was gathered that Aondoyima later locked his two daughters inside a traditional round hut and left the compound.

According to residents, the suspect allegedly set the hut ablaze, believing another woman was inside.

The two girls, who were asleep in the hut at the time, were caught in the fire.

One of the victims reportedly died at the scene, while the second sustained severe burns and later died in hospital.

The deceased were identified as the daughters of Aondoyima Ierkwagh, an indigene of Tsehe in Tongov, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, who currently resides at his maternal home in Zaki-Biam.

Their mother was reportedly away in Taraba State for farming activities when the incident occurred.

The suspect was said to have attempted to flee after the incident but was apprehended by members of the Volunteer Guards near Tse-Dugwer village before being handed over to the police.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect is in police custody and is being interrogated while investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.