Today is a demonstration of the importance of inter-agency collaboration, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring that major developmental projects across state, are not undermined by criminal elements and to to welcome the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr Olufemi Dare to this event.
The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to proactive, intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.
Throughout the month of August, our officers and men across various formations have continued to respond swiftly to credible information, carry out targeted operations and disrupt criminal activities in different parts of the State.
These operations have resulted in the arrest of suspects involved in stealing, robbery, vandalism, particularly on the Coastal road and Third Mainland Bridge, and other criminal activities, as well as the recovery of stolen property and dangerous weapons.
The command arrested thirty-nine (39) suspects while the following exhibits where recovered;
Vandalised irons, VandalisedCables, One truck loaded with cartons of spaghetti, One double barrel long gun, Fourteen (14) locally made pistols, One live cartridge, Seven cutlasses, Sixteen knives, Thirteen (13) bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, One POS machine, Assorted charms, One laptop.
Some of the notable operational successes recorded during the period under review are highlighted below:
ARREST OF SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN VANDALISM AND STEALING OF IRONS AND OTHER EXHIBITS ON COASTAL ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE–
On August 17, 2026, operatives of the Command, acting on intelligence gathered during follow-up investigations into the vandalism of the newly constructed Coastal Road, ten (10) suspects connected with the repeated vandalism of the infrastructure were arrested. They are: Courage Ogbemudiah ‘m’, aged 19 years, Michael Janes ‘m’, aged 25 years, Muhammed Mustapha ‘m’, aged 25 years, Muyideen Ola ‘m’, aged 32 years, Emmanuel James ‘m’, aged 18 years, Tadious Nanius ‘m’, aged 28 years, Anthony Nucase ‘m’, aged 23 years, Makinde Muize ‘m’, aged 30 years, Bolaji Raji ‘m’, aged 30 years, Waliu Kabiru ‘m’, aged 28 years
Vandalised iron materials were recovered during the operation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are linked to the incessant vandalism of the Coastal Road infrastructure. The suspects have also made statements regarding their alleged involvement in the offence.
The Command is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for the continued destruction and theft of public infrastructure are brought to justice.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED VANDAL AND RECOVERY OF CABLES AND IRONS FROM THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE
One Chidiebere Ochiri ‘m’, aged 28 years, was arrested for vandalism and theft of government-installed CCTV camera cables, irons and other infrastructure on the Third Mainland Bridge.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the vandalization and and carted away cables connecting CCTV cameras, and some irons installed along the bridge and its environs.
The suspect further stated that he had been involved in the activity for several months and usually sold the vandalized copper wires to scavengers and scrap dealers at about ₦12,000 per kilogramme. One quantity of copper wire was recovered as an exhibit.
Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the suspect’s alleged accomplice, identify other persons involved in the vandalism and trace the scrap dealers receiving the stolen materials.
RECOVERY OF FIREARMS AND ARREST OF SUSPECTED ROBBER-
While on stop-and-search operations along Aguda area of Lagos, operatives of the Command arrested one Olamide Suleiman ‘m’, aged 22 years. He was found in possession of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp. A search of his bag at the station subsequently led to the recovery of one locally made pistol and one cartridge.
During interrogation, the suspect stated that the pistol belonged to one Emir ‘m’. He subsequently led operatives to the hotel where Emir was lodged, where a double-barrel gun was recovered from the room allegedly occupied by him. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend Emir and other members of the suspected gang.
4. ARREST OF CULTIST AND RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE PISTOL
On August 18, 2026, at about 1740hrs, following sustained intelligence gathering and follow-up on the activities of suspected cultists within the Aguda area of Surulere, operatives of the Command arrested one Ibrahim Abidogun ‘m’, aged 35 years, popularly known as “Shifon,” a suspected member of the Aiye Confraternity. A search conducted at his residence led to the recovery of one locally made pistol.
5. ARREST OF SUSPECTED TRAILER DRIVER AND RECOVERY OF VEHICLE IN CONNECTION WITH SUSPECTED DIVERSION OF GOODS
Following credible intelligence received by the Command operatives, that a trailer loaded with goods had been parked in front of a church in Egbeda, Lagos State. The intelligence further revealed that several mini-trucks were subsequently arriving at the location to evacuate some of the goods from the trailer. Acting promptly on the information, operatives were deployed to the area to verify the report.
Upon arrival, the information was confirmed, leading to the arrest of the trailer driver, Amisu Isah. However, a second truck into which some of the goods had reportedly been transloaded fled the scene with other suspects. An Acura SUV allegedly used by one of the fleeing suspects was also recovered.
A search of the trailer revealed a quantity of cartons of spaghetti, while further investigation and intelligence-led follow-up led to the arrest of one of the fleeing suspects named Emmanuel. Investigation is ongoing to establish the ownership and destination of the goods, identify other persons involved, and recover the remaining items.
ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTED CULTISTS AND RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE PISTOL-
Following credible information on the activities of suspected cultists at a dumpsite in the Isolo area of Lagos, operatives of command swiftly drafted to the location, two (2) suspects were arrested at the scene
Sodiq Omotunde ‘m’, aged 33 years, and Adeyemo Bilyaminu ‘m’, aged 28 years.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of one locally made single-barrel pistol. The suspects are currently assisting with the investigation, while efforts are ongoing to establish their level of involvement and apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
ARREST OF FOUR SUSPECTED CULTISTS AND RECOVERY OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS-
The Command received a distress call that about fifty persons had assembled in a suspicious manner, at the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos. Intelligence indicated that the gathering involved suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity who had assembled to mark their annual celebration and allegedly initiate new members.
Acting swiftly on the information, operatives moves to the location, leading to the arrest of three suspects: Segun Hammed ‘m’, aged 38 years, Adebite Afeez ‘m’, aged 33 years; and, Daniel Olawale ‘m’, aged 42 years, Kazeem Babatunde ‘m’, aged 43 years.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of two cutlasses and one battle axe.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Segun Hammed had recently assumed the position of leader of the group, following an alleged handover of the leadership by Kazeem Babatunde in March 2026.
The suspects remain in custody as investigation continues to establish their individual roles and identify other members connected with the group. Further developments will be communicated accordingly.
RECOVERY OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, AND OTHER INCRIMINATION OBJECTS-
In continuation of the Command’s sustained operational engagements and ongoing mop-up of illegal arms, operatives across various formations, recorded notable successes through coordinated intelligence-led operations, stop and search, and surveillance patrols.
During the operations, the following exhibits were recovered: locally made pistols, dangerous weapons and other incriminating items.
These recoveries further underscore the Command’s proactive determination to rid Lagos State of illegal firearms, disrupt criminal networks, and enhance public safety. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the recovered exhibits and ensure they are brought to justice.
These recoveries further demonstrate the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen public safety across Lagos State.
ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS AND RECOVERY OF FIREARMS-
Following credible information received by the Command that one Hammed Oniyi ‘m’, aged 25 years, was allegedly in possession of firearms and using same to rob unsuspecting members of the public within the neighbourhood, operatives were immediately mobilized to apprehend the suspect.
The operation led to the arrest of two (2) suspects; Hammed Oniyi ‘m’, aged 25 years, Qudus Lawal ‘m’, aged 19 years, old. Two locally made single-barrel pistols were recovered during the operation.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Hammed Oniyi is allegedly a member of the Aiye Confraternity and that the firearm was reportedly given to him by one who is currently at large.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other persons at large and the case will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigate.
The achievements recorded so far in August 2026 reflect the Lagos State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to staying ahead of criminal elements through intelligence-led policing, proactive patrols, targeted operations, effective surveillance and prompt response to credible information.
The cases highlighted today are part of our broader strategy to prevent crime, protect critical infrastructure and safeguard residents, visitors and businesses across Lagos State.
The recent vandalism of the Third Mainland Bridge and the newly constructed Coastal Road is particularly concerning, as such acts not only cause significant losses but also threaten major government projects designed to improve transportation, connectivity and economic activities. The Command will not allow criminals to undermine these developmental efforts.
I commend the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism, courage and dedication, and I appreciate members of the public, community leaders, government agencies and other stakeholders whose timely and credible information continues to support our operations.
The Command will continue to work closely 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 and ensure that ongoing developmental projects are adequately secured.
Let me reiterate that Lagos will not be a safe haven for criminals. Whether involved in vandalism, robbery, stealing, cultism, kidnapping or any other criminal activity, we will continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle their operations.
I therefore urge all residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police. Every credible piece of information can make a difference in preventing crime and protecting lives and property.
All suspects will be subjected to diligent investigation, and those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, with their fundamental rights duly respected.
Once again, I warmly welcome the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State and appreciate his presence and partnership with the Command. We look forward to deepening this collaboration in the collective interest of Lagos State.
Together, through partnership, intelligence sharing and collective responsibility, we can continue to build a safer, more secure and prosperous Lagos.
