The Lagos State Police Command has recovered 36 stolen exotic vehicles and arrested dozens of suspects in connection with car theft, fraud, and cult-related violence. Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, where he outlined recent strides made by the Command in enhancing public safety and enforcing the law across the state.
The recovered vehicles, some valued in the hundreds of millions of naira, were traced to various forms of criminal activity, including advanced fee fraud, inter-state vehicle theft, and cases where entrusted drivers diverted vehicles for personal gain. Some vehicles were intercepted while being moved out of Lagos, and others were tracked to locations where they were already sold or still in criminal possession.
CP Jimoh revealed that the Command is investigating an additional 70 vehicles connected to other open cases. He urged individuals who have lost their vehicles—whether within Lagos or in neighbouring states—to come forward with valid proof of ownership for verification and potential recovery.
In connection with these recoveries, several arrests have been made. The suspects, according to CP Jimoh, will be prosecuted as soon as investigations are concluded. He also disclosed that over 20 cult-related suspects have been arrested in recent days. Weapons recovered from them include locally fabricated firearms that closely resemble factory-grade rifles—used to commit violent crimes and intimidate victims. He warned that under the law, even handmade weapons constitute firearms and carry severe penalties when used to dispossess or threaten citizens.
Among those arrested is a notorious cult figure known as Wasiu, alias “Aka,” found in possession of five AK-47 rifles. The police said that more than ten families have come forward to identify him as the individual responsible for the murder of their relatives. CP Jimoh confirmed that investigations are nearly complete, and the suspect, along with anyone found to be aiding him, will face full prosecution.
To tackle cultism more aggressively, the Lagos State Police Command has established and deployed anti-cultism squads across all 14 area commands. These teams, fully supported by the Inspector General of Police, have begun operations and are tracking and apprehending individuals involved in killings, acid attacks, and assaults that have previously disrupted peace in communities and schools.
CP Jimoh stated that under his leadership, violent crimes—particularly armed robbery—have been reduced to the barest minimum. He credited this to the deployment of new policing strategies, prompt response systems, and logistical improvements supported by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He noted that police response time to distress calls now averages around five minutes across Lagos State.
He also acknowledged the critical support of the public, whose timely reports and actionable intelligence have aided many of the recent successes. CP Jimoh encouraged citizens to continue relaying such information through official control room lines rather than reaching out directly to senior officers, as this streamlines emergency responses.
The Commissioner further highlighted the work of the newly expanded Coastal Crime Response Team, which has grown from five to 19 operational units. These teams, he said, operate in high-risk zones and act as a complement to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), providing immediate intervention in flashpoint areas across the state.
CP Jimoh concluded by reassuring Lagos residents and visitors that the state remains safe and that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and protect lives and property. He issued a firm warning to criminal elements: “Lagos is not a safe haven for you. Either relocate or face the full weight of the law.”