The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos has arrested 20 individuals suspected of involvement in cult activities, armed robbery and the killing of a police officer in the Ilesi community, close to Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Umma Ayuba, who explained that the incident happened on Nov. 29 around 9:30 p.m. She recounted that members of the Neo Black Movement, commonly referred to as the Aye Fraternity, launched a reprisal attack in Ilesi after one of their members was assaulted earlier.
“As the suspects moved through the neighbourhood in search of rival cultists, tension escalated, drawing the attention of a police officer who lived in the community, along with some residents.
“Upon sighting them, the armed cultists opened fire, killing the officer on the spot and leaving two other residents severely injured. In a gruesome twist, the attackers amputated the officer’s left hand and fled with it,” she said.
Ayuba noted that operatives from the Zonal Dragon Squad swiftly responded with a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation.
“In the early hours of Dec. 1, at about 12:00 a.m., officers raided a hideout in the Ogbere area of Ogun, where the suspects were believed to be regrouping.
“The operation resulted in the apprehension of 20 suspects linked to the violent attack, as well as other offences, including unlawful possession of firearms,” she said.
She added that the police recovered several items during the raid.
“Items recovered include one Nissan Micra (Reg. No. KSH 793 XA), a double-barrel short gun, a single-barrel short gun, two locally made single-barrel pistols, 29 live cartridges, 19 mobile phones, N72,000 cash, a wristwatch, three necklaces and three ATM cards,” she said.
According to Ayuba, the man believed to be holding the deceased officer’s amputated hand remains on the run, and efforts are ongoing to track him down.
She further stressed that security measures had been increased in the affected areas while investigations continue.
Ayuba said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for the zone, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, appealed to residents to assist law enforcement with timely information.
“AIG Fayoade, while urging residents to remain vigilant, reiterated his commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of these heinous crimes are made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ayuba said.
