The Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended 47 suspects and confiscated numerous firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating materials during a comprehensive operation targeting criminal strongholds throughout the state.
During a press conference held at the command's headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, revealed that the successful outcomes were a direct result of intelligence-led policing strategies and ongoing collaboration with community members.
Fatai highlighted that the command's strategic deployment of officers to religious sites, major roadways, and leisure areas ensured a secure and trouble-free Easter period, contributing significantly to the overall peace experienced during the festivities.
Providing details on recent enforcement activities, the police chief reported the recovery of 14 firearms, including locally manufactured pistols and pump- action rifles, along with a substantial quantity of live ammunition.
In addition to the weapons, the police also recovered 14 vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and other evidence connected to various criminal enterprises.
"In one significant operation, police apprehended a suspected armed robber in the Amukoko neighbourhood, seizing a locally made pistol, cartridges, and suspected fetish items. In a separate action, a 23-year-old individual believed to be involved with the Aiye Confraternity was arrested in Ajegunle with a firearm.
"Furthermore, in Ajao Estate, officers detained 21 individuals during a raid on a hotel frequented by suspected cultists, confiscating a firearm, several laptops, and numerous mobile phones. Efforts are underway to locate another key figure associated with this group.
"The command also thwarted an attempted extortion of N20 million in Ojokoro, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect during a sting operation. A laptop and flash drive were found with the suspect. In another successful operation, police dismantled a vehicle theft ring, apprehending five suspects involved in stealing and reselling cars,"
he stated.
He further mentioned that two stolen vehicles were recovered, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
Suspects linked to acts of vandalism, armed robbery, and illegal possession of firearms were also taken into custody in separate operations conducted in Lekki, Ikotun, Egbeda, Iba, and Egbin.
"Moreover, police uncovered a major financial fraud case involving a 62-year- old suspect accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of N130 million. It was discovered that these funds were used to purchase luxury vehicles, six of which have been recovered and are estimated to be worth over N520 million.
"Additional raids on known criminal hubs in Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye resulted in the arrest of suspected cultists and the seizure of illicit narcotics and weapons," he added.
Fatai reiterated the command's unwavering dedication to maintaining robust anti-crime initiatives, enhancing police visibility, and strengthening partnerships with the community to guarantee sustained security across Lagos.
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