The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 68 suspects and recovered an assortment of firearms, vehicles, and other exhibits in a renewed onslaught against armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and other serious crimes across the state.
The command says the arrests are the product of new crime prevention strategies implemented since the present Police Commissioner assumed office, aimed at prompt detection and prevention of criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a news briefing at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, detailing the Command’s operations over the past four weeks.
According to Jimoh, their goal is to ensure the safety of all Lagosians, protect government and private investments, and create an environment where business can thrive without fear.
He credited the successes to operational support from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose continuous provision of modern equipment, technology, and logistics has reduced the Command’s response time to distress calls to around five minutes.
Jimoh said the Command arrested suspects for offences including murder, armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, fraud, kidnapping, vehicle theft, illicit drugs, and public disturbance.
Briefing journalists on successes recorded by the command in the last month, CP Jimoh said crime prevention and fighting strategies were sustained to prevent criminals from having their way.
According to the Police boss, key recoveries included a Mercedes-Benz E350 worth hundreds of millions of naira; a Lexus 2021 hybrid jeep worth ₦75 million, which was stolen from overseas; a Toyota Camry, as well as a Suzuki minibus used for “one chance” robberies.
He said the firearms included an AK49 rifle, adding that several laptops, phones and other incriminating evidence were recovered.
“In one case, an ex-convict was arrested after snatching a Toyota Camry in a violent robbery. In another, suspects brought a stolen Lexus from outside the state to sell in Lagos. Our operatives also intercepted “one chance” robbers operating minibuses, who had attacked victims with machetes and stolen large sums of money.
“When I assumed office about six months ago, I promised to adopt more effective crime prevention and control strategies. Today, I am pleased to report that these strategies are working. Lagosians are going about their lawful activities peacefully, with improved safety and security.
“Our achievements are due to coordinated operations, continuous support from the Inspector-General of Police, and the logistics, technology, and crime-fighting equipment provided by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I also commend the public for their timely information and intelligence, which have been vital to our success,” he said.
Notable arrests, according to the CP included four suspects held for alleged abduction of a 16-year-old boy in Yaba on July 13.
He said the suspects stole N2 million and other valuables from the teenager, adding that they were arrested by detectives in different parts of Lagos.
He said a prime suspect was arrested on August 1, in Ogun State, for a robbery that occurred in Lagos involving N5m, a Toyota RAV4, bulletproof vest, number plates, and POS machines, which were recovered.
The police boss said operatives on July 30, arrested seven suspects for allegedly impersonating security agents in Ejigbo.
He said the suspects usually wore security uniforms and attacked fuel tankers, adding that four other suspects were arrested over alleged N500m Canadian/Australian work visas fraud.
CP Jimoh said suspects who allegedly steal vehicles and dismember their parts for sale at Ladipo Market were also arrested, adding that three One-Chance robbers were apprehended at Ikeja after a passenger raised the alarm.
“The crime situation in Lagos is firmly under control. We will continue to improve our response time, dismantle criminal networks, and protect residents, investors, and infrastructure. We call on Lagosians to keep supporting the police with information, respect our officers in the field, and remain vigilant,” he said.
Ahead of and during the July 12 polls, the Command deployed a comprehensive security plan, restricting vehicular movement, escorting electoral materials to 13,325 polling units, and ensuring a peaceful process with no major incidents recorded.
- ₦2 Million Kidnap Rescue
Detectives rescued a 16-year-old boy abducted in Yaba and arrested four suspects in Ikeja, Jakande, and Makoko. - Armed Robbery Syndicate Posing as Security Agents
Seven men were arrested in Ejigbo for impersonating security personnel to hijack fuel tankers and carry out armed robberies. - ₦500 Million Visa Fraud Syndicate
Four employees of an educational consultancy in Ago-Okota were arrested for defrauding over 100 victims under the guise of facilitating Canadian and Australian work visas. - Car Theft Ring Bust
Two suspects were arrested in Ogijo, Ogun State, and Iba, Lagos, for stealing vehicles disguised as hired drivers and dismantling them for parts at Ladipo market. - ‘One-Chance’ Robbery Kingpin Arrested
Police intercepted a commercial minibus used for one-chance robberies in Ikeja, rescuing a victim pushed out of the vehicle. Weapons and a Toyota RAV4 were recovered. - Recovery of High-Value Vehicles
The Command recovered a Lexus 2021 hybrid SUV valued at ₦75 million, suspected stolen abroad, and a Suzuki minibus used in one-chance robberies.
CP Jimoh assured Lagosians that the Command will sustain its momentum against crime, urging the public to provide timely intelligence to aid police operations.
“We will continue to ensure optimal deployment of human and operational resources across Lagos. Crime will be brought to the barest minimum,” he said.
