The Lagos State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing war against crime, arresting no fewer than 118 suspects and recovering a cache of weapons and illicit items in April 2026.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response to criminal threats across the state.
According to the police chief, the month under review witnessed intensified crackdowns on criminal networks involved in armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, vandalism, and street violence. He noted that these efforts have strengthened public confidence and reinforced security across Lagos.
Major Recoveries and Arrests
During the period, operatives recovered 11 locally fabricated Beretta pistols, one English Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size firearm, two dane guns, nine telecom power batteries, 21 bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as cutlasses, knives, charms, and other incriminating items.
Among the notable operations was a large-scale raid on criminal hideouts in Ilasan, Lekki, and Maroko, which led to the arrest of 58 suspected street criminals linked to phone snatching, traffic robbery, and harassment of residents.
In a separate operation, police arrested two suspected kidnappers connected to the abduction and killing of a 17-year-old victim in Ikorodu. Investigations also revealed the suspects’ involvement in an earlier kidnapping case in 2025 where ransom was collected.
Crackdown on Cultism and Armed Robbery
The Command also intensified its fight against cult-related violence, arresting multiple suspects across Iwaya, Lagos Island, Ajao Estate, and Festac. Several of those apprehended were identified as members of notorious confraternities linked to violent attacks and killings.
In one case, five suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a rival cult member in the Ilasan area, while others were linked to coordinated attacks across Lagos Island.
Police also foiled armed robbery attempts in different parts of the state, including the arrest of a suspect on Anthony Bridge, where two locally made pistols were recovered.
Telecom Vandalism Syndicate Busted
Acting on intelligence from Globacom, operatives dismantled a syndicate responsible for the theft of telecom infrastructure. Three suspects were arrested, leading to the recovery of nine stolen power batteries.
Gunrunning Network Disrupted
In another breakthrough, police intercepted two suspects attempting to sell a firearm, recovering a Beretta pistol and uncovering links to a wider gunrunning network stretching to northern Nigeria. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the alleged supplier still at large.
Police Reassure Residents
The Commissioner emphasized that the Command’s sustained operations and mop-up of illegal arms are yielding results, with more arrests and recoveries expected in the coming weeks.
He assured residents that Lagos remains under firm security watch, warning that criminal elements would find no safe haven in the state. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support crime prevention efforts.
All suspects, he added, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.