LAGOS POLICE ARREST 118 SUSPECTS FOR KIDNAPPING, ROBBERY AND OTHER OFFENCES IN APRIL CRACKDOWN, RECOVER FIREARMS AND DRUGS

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Lagos State Police Command has announced significant operational successes for the month of April 2026, highlighting a series of arrests and recoveries aimed at strengthening security across the state.

In a press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and rapid response to criminal activities.

According to the Command, a total of 118 suspects were arrested within the period for offences including armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, vandalism, unlawful possession of firearms, and street violence. Recovered items include multiple locally fabricated and foreign pistols, dane guns, telecom power batteries, cutlasses, knives, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and other incriminating materials.

Key Operations and Arrests

Police operatives conducted a large-scale raid on April 27 across Ilasan, Lekki, and Maroko, leading to the arrest of 58 suspects linked to street crimes such as phone snatching, armed attacks, and harassment of residents.

On the same day, two suspects were arrested in Ikorodu over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of a 17-year-old victim. Investigations also linked them to a previous kidnapping and murder case in 2025.

In a separate operation, three suspects were arrested for telecom infrastructure vandalism following intelligence reports from a service provider. Nine stolen power batteries were recovered during the operation.

The Command also intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities, arresting multiple suspects in Iwaya, Lagos Island, Ajao Estate, and Festac areas. Investigations revealed links between some of the suspects and known confraternities involved in violent clashes.

In another incident, police arrested a suspect attempting to rob a member of the public on Anthony Bridge, recovering weapons including locally made pistols.

Additionally, operatives apprehended two suspected gun runners attempting to sell a Beretta pistol, with investigations ongoing to arrest other members of the network.

Ongoing Investigations

Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing in all cases, with efforts underway to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

Police Assurance

The Command assured residents that it remains resolute in its mission to rid Lagos of criminal elements and maintain public safety. Residents were also urged to provide timely and credible information to aid law enforcement efforts.