Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 39 suspects and recovered 14 locally made pistols, a double-barrel gun, a live cartridge and other dangerous weapons in operations across the state in August, Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, has said.
Fatai disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the command’s operational achievements for the month, saying the operations also targeted the vandalism of critical infrastructure, including the newly constructed Coastal Road and the Third Mainland Bridge.
The Commissioner warned that the command would not allow criminal elements to undermine security and major development projects in the state.
“Lagos will not be a safe haven for criminals,” Fatai declared. “Whether involved in vandalism, robbery, stealing, cultism, kidnapping or any other criminal activity, we will continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle their operations.”
He said the recent vandalism of the Third Mainland Bridge and the newly constructed Coastal Road was particularly troubling because such criminal activities could undermine major government projects.
“The recent vandalism of the Third Mainland Bridge and the newly constructed Coastal Road is particularly concerning,” Fatai said, adding that such acts “not only cause significant losses but also threaten major government projects designed to improve transportation, connectivity and economic activities.”
According to the CP, 10 suspects were arrested on August 17 following intelligence gathered during investigations into the repeated vandalism of the newly constructed Coastal Road.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure,” he said.
Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation, while the command said the suspects had made statements regarding their alleged involvement.
The Commissioner also disclosed the arrest of 28-year-old Chidiebere Ochiri over the alleged vandalism and theft of government-installed CCTV camera cables, irons and other infrastructure on the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to Fatai, Ochiri allegedly confessed during interrogation that he had been involved in the activity for several months and sold vandalised copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers at about N12,000 per kilogramme.
“One quantity of copper wire was recovered as an exhibit,” the CP said.
He said investigation was ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s alleged accomplices, identify other persons involved and trace scrap dealers allegedly receiving the stolen materials.
The command also reported several firearm recoveries during stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led operations across Lagos.
In Aguda, police arrested 22-year-old Olamide Suleiman after a substance suspected to be Indian hemp was found in his possession. A subsequent search of his bag led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and one cartridge.
Fatai said Suleiman subsequently led operatives to a hotel where another suspect, identified as Emir, was allegedly staying, resulting in the recovery of a double-barrel gun from the room allegedly occupied by him.
In another operation in Surulere, police arrested Ibrahim Abidogun, popularly known as “Shifon”, a suspected member of the Aiye Confraternity, and recovered a locally made pistol from his residence.
The command also arrested two suspected cultists, Sodiq Omotunde and Adeyemo Bilyaminu, at a dumpsite in Isolo, where another locally made single-barrel pistol was recovered.
Fatai further disclosed that four suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were arrested in Ijeshatedo after intelligence indicated that about 50 people had gathered allegedly to mark an annual celebration and initiate new members.
Two cutlasses and a battle axe were recovered during the operation, the CP said.
The Commissioner also disclosed the arrest of trailer driver Amisu Isah following intelligence that a trailer loaded with goods had been parked in front of a church in Egbeda, with mini-trucks allegedly being used to evacuate some of the goods.
Police said operatives confirmed the report and arrested the driver, while another truck allegedly used to move some of the goods fled the scene. An Acura SUV allegedly used by one of the fleeing suspects was recovered.
A search of the trailer led to the recovery of cartons of spaghetti, while further intelligence-led investigation resulted in the arrest of another suspect identified as Emmanuel.
In a separate operation, police arrested Hammed Oniyi, 25, and Qudus Lawal, 19, over allegations of armed robbery and recovered two locally made single-barrel pistols.
Fatai said preliminary investigation indicated that Oniyi was allegedly a member of the Aiye Confraternity and that the firearm was reportedly given to him by a suspect who remains at large.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other persons at large and the case will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the Commissioner said.
The CP said the command would continue to work with the Ministry of Works, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police, stressing that credible information was crucial to preventing crime.
The Commissioner assured that all suspects would be subjected to diligent investigation and that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, with their fundamental rights respected.
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