Operatives of the police command in Lagos State have arrested an ex-convict over illegal possession of firearms.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said operatives of the Ijede Division apprehended the suspect on Monday in the Ikorodu area of the state.

“Operatives received complaints that an individual was brandishing a locally made gun and threatening residents at Sabon Kasuwa area of Abule Eko, Ikorodu.

“Acting swiftly, the operatives traced the suspect to an uncompleted building, where he was arrested,” Mr Hundeyin said.

Investigations revealed the suspect, released from prison in 2022 for cultism offences, remained an active member of a cult group.

Mr Hundeyin added that the suspect admitted owning a firearm and led operatives to a toilet pipe in the uncompleted building, where it was recovered.

According to him, the suspect is cooperating with investigations aimed at apprehending other cult members and recovering weapons. He will be prosecuted afterwards.

Mr Hundeyin said the commissioner of police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, leading to the arrest and recovery.

The commissioner urged residents to remain law-abiding, shun cultism and armed robbery, and continue providing police with useful information to cleanse communities of criminal elements.

(NAN)