Police Arrest 47 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Vehicles in Lagos Crackdown
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 47 suspects and recovered a cache of firearms, vehicles, and other valuables in a series of coordinated operations carried out across the state over the past two weeks.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja, noting that the suspects were linked to crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, fraud, and illegal possession of firearms.
According to him, items recovered during the operations include 14 vehicles, 14 firearms, 10 locally made guns, four pump-action rifles, and 96 rounds of 5.2mm live ammunition. Additionally, 29 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, two laptops, and 29 mobile phones were seized.
Tijani attributed the success of the operations to intelligence-led policing, strengthened community engagement, and collaboration with other security agencies.
In a related development, the command uncovered a car theft syndicate, leading to the arrest of five suspects on March 27. Two vehicles—a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Camry—were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
Operatives also arrested a 52-year-old suspect for unlawful possession of firearms after discovering a concealed pillow containing an English-made pistol, 96 rounds of ammunition, and three live cartridges.
In another case, police apprehended a 62-year-old suspected serial fraudster over an alleged ₦130 million fraud. Investigations revealed that the suspect used the proceeds to acquire luxury vehicles, with six cars valued at over ₦520 million already recovered.
The command further recorded arrests linked to conspiracy and vehicle vandalism in the Lekki area, where suspects reportedly invaded an estate and tampered with residents’ vehicles.
The police commissioner assured residents that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements would be sustained, emphasizing ongoing operations to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks.
He commended residents for their cooperation and urged continued support through the provision of credible information, warning that the command remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across Lagos State.
Police Arrest 47 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Vehicles in Lagos Crackdown