Lagos State Police Command says it arrested 36 suspects and recovered about 8,000 pieces of military camouflage uniforms, firearms, suspected illicit drugs and other exhibits during intelligence-led operations conducted across the state in June.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Tijani Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday.
Fatai said the operations were part of sustained efforts by the command to tackle armed robbery, cultism, vandalism, unlawful possession of firearms, impersonation and other criminal activities.
According to him, exhibits recovered during the operations include 14 firearms, four live cartridges, a MAN Diesel truck, 51 mobile phones, two vehicle engine control units (ECUs), an operational motorcycle, vandalised electric cables and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The police commissioner said one of the major breakthroughs recorded by the command was the interception of an unregistered MAN Diesel truck loaded with 47 sacks containing approximately 8,000 pieces of military camouflage uniforms.
He said three suspects, identified as Chinedu David, Ezeagwu Chukwuma and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, were arrested in connection with the seizure.
“The operation also led to the recovery of 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck was being used to transport the military camouflage uniforms to the eastern part of the country.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify the source, ownership, intended recipients and other persons connected with the consignment,” he said.
Fatai said the command also recorded significant successes in its fight against violent crimes.
He said detectives arrested a suspect linked to a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate and recovered 51 mobile phones believed to have been stolen from victims during previous operations by the gang.
The commissioner added that two suspected cable vandals were arrested while allegedly vandalising electrical installations on the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to him, a separate operation in Ayetoro-Ijanikin led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of two double-barrel guns and six locally made single-barrel firearms.
He said operatives also arrested suspects for unlawful possession of firearms at different locations across the state, recovering pistols, live cartridges and other weapons believed to have been used in criminal activities.
Fatai further disclosed that suspected cultists linked to the Eiye and Alora confraternities were arrested during raids, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.
On immigration-related enforcement, the police commissioner said the command rescued 38 foreign nationals from possible mob action in Epe.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that 20 of the foreigners entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents.
“The matter has been referred to the Nigerian Immigration Service and relevant diplomatic missions for appropriate action,” he said.
Fatai said the achievements recorded during the month underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State.
