Police arrest 47 suspects, recover firearms in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 47 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items in a sweeping crackdown on criminal hideouts across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja. He attributed the success of the operations […]

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 47 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items in a sweeping crackdown on criminal hideouts across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja. He attributed the success of the operations to intelligence-driven policing and sustained collaboration with residents.

Fatai noted that the command ensured a peaceful and incident-free Easter celebration through the strategic deployment of personnel to worship centres, highways, and recreational facilities. He added that the improved security presence significantly contributed to the calm recorded during the period.

Providing a breakdown of recent operations, the police boss said 14 firearms, including locally made pistols and pump-action guns, were recovered, alongside dozens of live ammunition.

Other items recovered include 14 vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and additional exhibits linked to criminal activities.

“Among the notable operations, police arrested a suspected armed robber in the Amukoko area, recovering a locally made pistol, cartridges, and suspected charms. In a separate operation, a 23-year-old alleged cultist linked to the Aiye Confraternity was apprehended in Ajegunle with a firearm.

“In Ajao Estate, operatives arrested 21 suspects during a raid on a hotel where suspected cult members had gathered. Items recovered during the raid included a firearm, laptops, and multiple mobile phones. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect identified as a key figure in the group.

“The command also foiled an alleged N20 million extortion attempt in Ojokoro, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect during a decoy operation. A laptop and flash drive were recovered from the suspect. Police further dismantled a car theft syndicate with the arrest of five suspects involved in vehicle theft and resale,” he said.

He added that two stolen vehicles were recovered, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network.

In separate operations across Lekki, Ikotun, Egbeda, Iba, and Egbin, suspects linked to vehicle vandalism, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms were also apprehended.

“Additionally, operatives uncovered a major fraud case involving a 62-year-old suspect accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of N130 million. Investigations revealed that the funds were used to acquire luxury vehicles, six of which have been recovered and valued at over N520 million.

“Further raids on criminal hideouts in Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye led to the arrest of suspected cultists and the recovery of illicit drugs and weapons,” he said.

Fatai reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive crime-fighting operations, enhancing visibility policing, and strengthening community engagement to ensure continued safety across Lagos.