Crime Combating: Lagos Police Nab Dozens of Suspected Criminals, Recover Firearms Within Two Weeks

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major operational successes within the last two weeks, apprehending dozens of criminal suspects, recovering firearms, military camouflage uniforms, suspected illicit drugs, and rescuing foreign nationals involved in illegal immigration activities.

Addressing journalists on the breakthroughs, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Tijani Fatai, revealed that the achievements underscored the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property across the state.

CP Fatai said the Command recovered 14 firearms, four live cartridges, an unregistered MAN diesel truck, 51 mobile phones, two Vehicle Engine Control Units (ECUs), popularly known as brain boxes, an operational motorcycle, a truck carrying 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms, 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances, vandalised electrical cables, and other incriminating exhibits during the period under review.

According to him, the operations led to the arrest of suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, illegal possession of firearms, vandalism, impersonation, conspiracy, illegal immigration, and other violent crimes.

One of the notable breakthroughs, he said, was the apprehension of two suspected cable vandals identified as Ikenegboge Godwin, 23, and Aondoaka Jacob, 23, who were intercepted while vandalising electrical cables on the Third Mainland Bridge. Police operatives recovered the stolen cables and launched a manhunt for other fleeing members of the syndicate.

In another operation, police arrested Emeka Okolie, 32, for allegedly stealing iron rods from a Catholic church under construction in Ayetoro-Ijanikin.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects and the recovery of two double-barrel guns and six locally made single-barrel firearms. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.

“The Command also recorded success against the notorious ‘One Chance’ robbery syndicates operating in Lagos. A suspect linked to the criminal network was apprehended, while investigators recovered 51 different mobile phones believed to be proceeds of previous robbery operations. Efforts are ongoing to recover the vehicle allegedly used by the gang and arrest other members,” he said.

CP Fatai further disclosed that at Festac Town, police operatives on stop-and-search duty arrested Ahmed Saheed, 26, with two suspected stolen vehicle ECUs concealed in his possession. Investigations are underway to determine the source of the items and identify possible accomplices.

“Similarly, two suspects, Jamiu Asanlaye and Femi Adenuga, both aged 20, were arrested along the Ilupeju Bypass with a locally made pistol, an English Browning pistol, and four live cartridges. The suspects reportedly told investigators that the weapons were supplied by an accomplice currently on the run,” he added.

He said: “In a related development, police operatives investigating a robbery case transferred from Oke-Odo Division arrested Falalu Mustapha, 20. The investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol and an operational motorcycle allegedly used by a robbery gang operating around the Ipaja area. The suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a three-man robbery operation.”

The Command also arrested two suspected fake soldiers, Mercy Odundo, 38, and Joshua Ayomide, 31, following intelligence reports that they were parading themselves in military uniforms. A pump-action gun was recovered during the operation, while investigations revealed that neither suspect was a serving member of the Nigerian Army.

One of the most significant operations recorded during the month involved the interception of an unregistered MAN diesel truck loaded with 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances. Three suspects — Chinedu David, 29; Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38; and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45 — were arrested in connection with the haul.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was allegedly transporting the military uniforms to the eastern part of the country.

“Detectives are currently investigating the source of the uniforms and identifying those behind the shipment,” he said.

The police also intensified operations against cult groups. On June 12, operatives arrested four suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity and recovered an English Beretta pistol loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, a jackknife, and a locally made cut-to-size pistol.

Another cult-related operation in Igando led to the arrest of Solomon Ebe, 34, who was allegedly caught shooting sporadically with a pump-action gun. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed to being a member of the Alora Confraternity.

Similarly, on June 22, police arrested three suspects in connection with an armed robbery incident in which a victim sustained gunshot injuries. Investigators recovered a locally made pistol and four cartridges allegedly used during the attack.

Beyond conventional crime-fighting, the Command said it rescued 38 foreign nationals from possible mob action in Epe.

The group comprised citizens of Chad, Burkina Faso, the Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana. Investigations revealed that 20 of them entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents. The matter has been referred to relevant diplomatic missions and the Nigeria Immigration Service.

The Command also arrested a 29-year-old suspect, Christopher Obinna, for impersonating a naval officer. He was allegedly found dressed in combat attire bearing Nigerian Navy insignia and carrying forged identification cards. Police said the suspect confessed to the offence during interrogation.

In another impersonation case, Ishaya Barnabas, 26, was arrested after allegedly claiming to be a serving soldier attached to the Nigerian Army’s 202 Battalion in Borno State. Military authorities later confirmed that he had been dismissed from service in September 2024. He is currently being processed for prosecution.

CP Fatai commended officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, stressing that Lagos would remain hostile territory for criminals.

“The operational successes recorded by the Lagos State Police Command within the month of June 2026 further reaffirm the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention initiatives, and the unwavering commitment of officers and men of the Command towards the protection of lives and property across Lagos State,” he said.

The Commissioner, however, urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring them that all suspects connected with criminal activities would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.