The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 68 suspected criminals, recovered 17 assorted firearms, four stolen vehicles, and dismantled a ₦500 million visa fraud syndicate in a fresh offensive against crime across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this at a press conference in Ikeja on Monday, highlighting a series of coordinated operations executed by the Command’s tactical squads, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), divisional units, and area commands.
Jimoh credited the successes to the operational support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who provided state-of-the-art crime-fighting equipment, logistics, and technology.
“We have adopted preventive strategies that keep us ahead of criminals. Lagosians now go about their lawful activities in peace, sleeping with their eyes closed. The fear of crime is worse than crime itself, and we are addressing both,” the Commissioner said.
Major Arrests and Recoveries
The 68 suspects were arrested for a range of offences including armed robbery, murder, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, vehicle theft, impersonation, and advanced fee fraud.
Key recoveries include:
17 assorted firearms: comprising locally made pistols, English revolvers, Baretta pistols, and high-calibre rifles such as AK-47 and AK-49.
Four vehicles: a Toyota Camry, a Mercedes-Benz E350, a Lexus hybrid SUV, and a Suzuki minibus linked to “one chance” robbery gangs.
Electronics: over 20 mobile phones, six laptops, and incriminating items linked to robbery and fraud cases.
The Commissioner explained that two of the recovered vehicles, a Lexus SUV valued at over ₦75 million and a Mercedes-Benz E350 had been stolen in different high-profile robberies. The Lexus was traced to suspects attempting to smuggle it into Lagos without valid papers, while the Mercedes was returned to its rightful owner after identification.
The Camry was snatched from a victim by an ex-convict, 26-year-old Bello Aminu, who had recently been released from prison but returned to armed robbery.
One Chance Robbery Gangs Dismantled
Two “one chance” gangs were intercepted during surveillance operations in Surulere and near the National Stadium. Suspects used commercial vehicles to pick unsuspecting passengers, rob them at knifepoint or with crude weapons, and drain their bank accounts before abandoning them.
In one case, gang members disguised a female accomplice as a regular passenger to lower victims’ guard. Police recovered operational vehicles, machetes, axes, and stolen cash from the gangs, which are now facing prosecution.
High-Profile Armed Robbery Arrests
Jimoh also announced the arrest of armed robbers who abducted a 16-year-old boy, extorted ₦2 million, and stole his phone before abandoning him. Tactical teams rescued the victim at Tom Naira Bridge and arrested four suspects, Joe Francis (23), Okoye Favour (22), Hosea Joshua (26), and David Alade (26).
Another gang posing as security personnel was arrested for hijacking fuel tankers in transit. Dressed in military-style fatigues, the group targeted petroleum products, which were then illegally siphoned and sold. The suspects aged between 42 and 52 are linked to several hijacking cases.
₦500 Million Visa Fraud Syndicate Busted
The Command dismantled an education consultancy fraud ring that swindled over 100 victims under the guise of securing Canadian and Australian work visas.
Four suspects — Blessing Wesufo (27), Chiyurre Christian (36), Achibong Udeme (23), and Maureen Peter (25), allegedly collected ₦500 million from victims before disappearing. All are now in custody, with efforts underway to arrest additional accomplices.
Election Security Reviewed
Reviewing security during the July 12 local government elections, Jimoh said the exercise was “peaceful, incident-free, and a model for electoral security.”
“No life was lost, no injuries recorded, no political activity disrupted. This was due to early deployment, massive presence, and strategic positioning of our officers,” he stated.
Over 10,000 additional police personnel were deployed for the polls, supported by special units including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, and Special Protection Unit.
Cross-Border Operations
The Command also tracked suspects into neighbouring Ogun State, arresting a car theft syndicate that recruited drivers to steal employers’ vehicles within weeks of hire. Stolen cars were dismantled in Ladipo Market and sold as spare parts.
Similarly, operatives arrested a robbery suspect in Ejibo, Ogun State, linked to the theft of ₦5 million from a Lagos resident. Recovered exhibits included a Toyota 4Runner, bulletproof vest, and POS machines.
Call for Public Cooperation
Jimoh praised public-spirited citizens whose timely intelligence led to several arrests, urging continued cooperation.
“Our response time to crime has been reduced to around five minutes in most cases. We will not relent until Lagos is safe for every resident, visitor, and investor,” he assured.
The Commissioner concluded by warning criminals that “the long arm of the law will always catch up with them,” citing the recent arraignment of Wasiu Akinwande, a suspected serial killer and armed robber facing multiple murder charges.