As the Neo Black Movement (NBM), popularly known as the Aye Confraternity, prepares to mark its annual Founder’s Day celebration—commonly referred to as “7/7 Day”—on July 7, security agencies in Lagos and Edo States have heightened surveillance and taken decisive actions to prevent any form of violence or breakdown of law and order.
In Lagos, the State Police Command confirmed on Monday that it has arrested 52 suspected cult members during a preemptive raid in the Mushin area. The suspects were reportedly apprehended while making preparations for potential attacks linked to the celebration.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday. He revealed that the police acted on credible intelligence indicating that rival cult groups were plotting violent reprisals as part of their Founder’s Day activities.
“July 7 has historically been marred by violence, chaos, and retaliatory killings among rival cult groups,” the CP stated. “We will not allow any group to disrupt public peace or endanger lives.”
Jimoh emphasized that the Command has deployed all necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of Lagos residents. Special units including the Anti-Cultism Squad, Police Mobile Force, Tactical Squads, and the Intelligence Department have been fully mobilized to prevent any form of cult-related unrest.
The Commissioner held an emergency security meeting on Sunday with heads of tactical units, directing them to remain vigilant and act swiftly to neutralize any emerging threat.
He also issued a stern warning to hotel owners, lounge operators, and managers of recreational facilities, cautioning them against allowing their premises to be used for cult meetings or illegal gatherings. “Any establishment found aiding or harbouring such activities will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
Jimoh further urged parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against involvement in cultism, noting that the consequences are grave and offenders will be prosecuted.
Residents were encouraged to continue their daily activities without fear but to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity to the police via emergency lines: 08063299264 and 08065154338.
Edo Police Join Effort to Prevent 7/7 Violence
Similarly, the Edo State Police Command has taken proactive steps to forestall any security threat during the cult’s annual celebration. Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, in a statement issued late Sunday by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, announced widespread deployments across the state.
“Based on intelligence that certain cult groups plan to unleash violence on July 7, the Command has strategically positioned operatives across critical areas to maintain peace and order,” Agbonika said.
He also echoed warnings to business owners in the hospitality sector to resist the temptation of allowing unlawful gatherings within their establishments.
“Failure to comply will attract serious legal consequences,” he cautioned.
Agbonika appealed to the public to stay vigilant and report any unusual gatherings or behavior to the nearest police station.
Both police commands reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no cult group disrupts public peace or endangers lives in the name of celebrating a Founder’s Day. Security agencies are on high alert, and anyone found violating the law will be swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
