The Lagos State Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing fight against crime, with the arrest of 47 suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, vehicles, and other incriminating items across the state.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed this while presenting the Command’s achievements since assuming office, noting that the results were driven by intelligence-led policing strategies and strong collaboration with residents.
According to the Command, a total of 14 firearms comprising 10 locally made weapons and four pump-action guns were recovered, alongside 96 rounds of 5.2mm live ammunition, 29 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, 14 vehicles, two laptops, 29 mobile phones, and a flash drive.
The police also highlighted a peaceful Easter celebration across Lagos, attributing the success to proactive deployment of personnel and strategic positioning of security assets at worship centres, highways, recreational centres, and other public spaces. The Command reported no major security breaches during the period.
Among the notable operations was the arrest of a suspected armed robber, Jamiu Yahaya, popularly known as “Elesin,” in the Amukoko area. He was found in possession of a locally made pistol, live cartridges, and suspected charms.
In a related development, a 23-year-old suspect, Sunday Daniel, was arrested in Ajegunle for alleged cultism, with a firearm recovered from his residence. He reportedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity.
Police operatives also arrested 21 suspects at a hotel in Ajao Estate during a gathering linked to cult activities. Items recovered included a cut-to-size gun, cult-branded materials, a laptop, and multiple mobile phones.
In another case, an 18-year-old suspect, Israel Osanwuta, was apprehended during a sting operation while attempting to collect a ₦20 million ransom following threats to life. He reportedly confessed and is assisting with ongoing investigations.
The Command further dismantled a car theft syndicate with the arrest of five suspects and recovery of stolen vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna and Toyota Camry. Additional arrests were made in connection with vehicle vandalism and robbery incidents across different parts of the state.
Police also uncovered a case of unlawful possession of firearms involving a 52-year-old suspect, Adedayo Bello, who allegedly concealed a pistol and ammunition inside a pillow to evade detection.
In Lekki, three suspects linked to the vandalism of vehicles in a residential estate were arrested, leading to the recovery of several luxury vehicles and tools used in the crime.
Similarly, operatives arrested a suspected serial fraudster, Robert Smith, over an alleged ₦130 million fraud involving a microfinance bank. Investigations revealed that the suspect used the funds to acquire multiple luxury vehicles valued at over ₦520 million, six of which have been recovered.
Other operations led to the arrest of robbery suspects in Ikotun, Egbeda, Iba, and Egbin areas, as well as the apprehension of suspected cultists and recovery of illicit drugs in Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property, stating that efforts would be intensified to dismantle criminal networks and rid the state of illegal arms.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information, assuring that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
