Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended 68 suspected criminals in one month for offences including armed robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.
He said the command recovered four vehicles and 17 firearms, including English pistols, a Beretta pistol, an AK-49, locally made pistols and 99 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Other items recovered were 19 phones, six laptops, tablets and various other exhibits.
Among those arrested were seven armed robbery suspects who impersonated security personnel.
“On July 30, detectives attached to the Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Surulere, apprehended the suspects aged between 42 and 49, involved in several armed robbery cases,” he said.
According to him, their crimes included hijacking fuel tankers and terrorising Lagos and neighbouring states.
“The suspects impersonated security personnel by wearing camouflage uniforms of security agencies,” he added.
CP Jimoh said the police also arrested two suspects specialising in car theft.
“On July 17, in the Ogijo area of Ogun, operatives tracked and apprehended a 30-year-old leader of a car-stealing syndicate,” he said.
The suspects allegedly deceived vehicle owners into employing them as drivers, later absconding with the vehicles, dismantling them, and selling the parts.
The suspect led operatives to Iba, Lagos, where another member, aged 39, was arrested.
He further led the team to Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, where the stolen vehicle had been dismantled and sold as parts.
The commissioner said a ‘one-chance’ robbery kingpin was also arrested, and a vehicle recovered.
“On July 18, operatives of Ikeja Division intercepted a commercial minibus along Agege Motor Road after a female commuter raised an alarm,” he said.
The victim was reportedly pushed out of the moving bus.
Three suspects, aged 20, 22 and 53, were apprehended.
A search of the vehicle yielded one Tecno Spark phone, 20 other smartphones, an axe, two interlock bricks, several heavy stones, and a broken bottle.
These items were suspected to have been used in previous assaults.
Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects lured victims by posing as commercial transporters and attacking them in isolated locations.
The police boss added that two suspected robbers were also arrested.
“On July 22, policemen attached to Ketu Division arrested the suspects, aged 21 and 35, during patrol along Ikorodu Road, Mile 12,” he said.
He stated that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon completion.
Jimoh appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, for providing modern crime-fighting equipment, technology and logistics.
He also thanked Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for continuous operational support, which had made securing the state much easier.
Police arrest 6 over Lagos kidnappings
Operatives of the Police command in Lagos State have detained six suspects for allegedly kidnapping two people.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this to journalists on Monday in Lagos.
He said the suspects were apprehended for conspiracy and abduction.
On July 13, one Ayogu Kelvin of Yaba reported that unknown persons abducted his 16-year-old son. They allegedly collected ₦2,000,000, a headset, school bag, and an iPhone 12.
Based on the report, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit acted swiftly. They traced and arrested the suspects, aged between 22 and 26 years.
Similarly, on Aug. 1, police tracked and apprehended a prime suspect in the July 18 abduction of a victim at Ayetoro, Ijanikin.
The suspect was caught at Ogijo in Ogun. The gang allegedly robbed the victim of ₦5,000,000 during the incident.
Recovered exhibits include a Toyota RAV4 (Reg. No. KWL 883 DL), one bulletproof vest, two number plates, three POS machines, and two security personnel identity cards.
A woman, identified as the owner of the account used to receive the crime’s proceeds, was also arrested.
According to the police boss, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members.
Police recover 4 stolen vehicles in Lagos
Operatives of the Police command in Lagos State have recovered four vehicles from suspected armed robbers.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Monday.
He said the police apprehended the suspects while acting on credible intelligence.
Mr Jimoh said an ex-convict was arrested for alleged armed robbery.
“The suspect snatched an unregistered Toyota Camry, which was found in his possession. During investigation, he confessed to taking it from one of his victims.
“The car was recovered, and the suspect is assisting the investigation to apprehend fleeing members of his gang,” he said.
In a related case, the commissioner said police recovered a stolen Lexus from another suspect.
“A 2021 Lexus hybrid, valued at over ₦75 million and suspected to have been stolen abroad, was about to be sold for ₦60 million without documents.
“Police arrested the suspect and recovered the vehicle,” he said.
Jimoh added that a Suzuki mini bus used for ‘one chance’ robbery was recovered, and five suspects were arrested.
He said a Mercedes-Benz E350 was also recovered from a suspect.
According to him, all suspects will be charged to court after the investigation concludes.