The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West Zone, Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered a renewed and intensified crackdown on criminal activities in Lagos State, following the arrest of 204 suspects and the recovery of 60 firearms by the Lagos State Police Command within the last three months.
Speaking during his operational visit to the Lagos State Police Command, DIG Fayoade charged officers and men of the command to sustain pressure on armed robbers, cultists, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening public safety across the state.
He emphasized the need for intelligence-led policing, stronger community engagement and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to address evolving security challenges.
The DIG also assured Nigerians that efforts were being intensified to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, expressing confidence that the victims would regain their freedom soon.
“All agencies, including government, are working very hard, and I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” he said.
Fayoade disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force had commenced the recruitment of 40,000 additional personnel to strengthen security nationwide. He added that issues concerning manpower, welfare and logistics raised during his visit would be forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for consideration.
According to him, the Force is also embracing modern technology through the establishment of a central data centre in Abuja and the deployment of Artificial Intelligence tools to improve investigations and intelligence gathering.
He dismissed claims that police tracking capabilities in Lagos had weakened since the EndSARS protests, citing recent operational successes achieved through technology-driven policing.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, revealed that the command recorded significant breakthroughs in its anti-crime operations between March and June 2026.
According to him, 204 suspects were arrested, including 71 armed robbery suspects, 133 suspected cultists and 35 persons linked to murder cases. He added that four suspected traffic robbers were also apprehended and charged to court.
The command also recovered 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition during various operations across the state.
Despite the achievements, the CP disclosed that seven police officers lost their lives while carrying out their duties, while three others sustained injuries during operations.
He assured Lagos residents that the command would continue its aggressive anti-crime campaign and proactive policing strategy, which has contributed to a reduction in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence and attacks on public infrastructure across the state.
Fatai reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that Lagos remains safe for residents and businesses.