The Lagos State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on organized crime, arresting 68 suspects linked to violent robberies, large-scale fraud, kidnapping, and illicit arms possession in a month-lonoperation across the state.
The arrests, announced by Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh, followed targeted intelligence-led raids and covert surveillance that exposed sophisticated criminal syndicates operating within Lagos and neighbouring states.
Among the most significant busts:
- Kidnap-for-Ransom Gang: On July 13, detectives rescued 16-year-old Emmanuel Odin from abductors who demanded ₦2 million. Four suspects—aged between 22 and 26—were tracked and arrested in Ikeja, Jakande, and Makoko.
- Fake Security Armed Robbers: On July 30, seven men disguised in military-style camouflage were apprehended in Ejigbo for hijacking fuel tankers and executing high-risk robberies.
- ₦500 Million Visa Scam Syndicate: Four staff of an Ago-Okota “educational consultancy” were arrested for defrauding over 100 victims under the guise of securing Canadian and Australian work visas. The syndicate collected more than ₦500 million before detection.
- One Chance Robbery Kingpin: On July 18, Ikeja police intercepted a commercial minibus used to lure and assault victims. Three suspects, including a wanted gang leader, were caught with weapons and stolen property.
- Vehicle Theft Ring: Multiple operations led to the recovery of a Lexus SUV worth over ₦75 million, an unregistered Toyota Camry, and other vehicles linked to cross-border theft operations.
In total, police recovered:
- 17 firearms including AK-49 rifles, Beretta pistols, and locally made pistols.
- 99 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.
- Four vehicles and dismantled parts from stolen cars.
- Fraudulent documents tied to over ₦500 million in scams.
CP Jimoh credited the success to coordinated intelligence sharing, state-of-the-art crime-fighting technology from the Inspector-General of Police, and daily operational support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—measures which have cut police response time to under five minutes.
“All suspects will face prosecution. Lagos will not be a safe haven for criminals,” Jimoh warned.
Police urged residents to maintain vigilance and report suspicious activities as efforts continue to dismantle remaining criminal cells across the state.
