L ess than two weeks after assuming office as the Lagos Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai has led the Lagos State Police Command to busting a total of 15 crime cases leading to the arrest of 47 suspects, reports thegazellenews.com
Thegazellenews.com also reports that within the same period, the Command recovered 14 firearms, over 120 rounds of ammunition and cartridges, multiple vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and other incriminating items, underscoring a broad-based offensive against criminality in the state.
In operations described as a decisive offensive against criminal networks, a significant portion of these breakthroughs stems from targeted operations against armed robbery rings, cultist gangs, fraudsters, car theft syndicates, and illegal arms possession, the Command’s efforts, backed by intelligence-led policing and community collaboration, have disrupted crimes that threatens public safety and economic stability.
Addressing a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, 7 April, 2026, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, who resumed on Thursday, 26 March, 2026 highlighted some milestones in his first two weeks.
He added that the Easter celebration was hitch-free due to the “proactive deployment of personnel and strategic positioning of operational assets across critical points, worship centres, recreational
venues, highways, and other public spaces. The Command recorded no major security breach during the period, a testament to our preparedness, vigilance, and collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding residents.”
Among the notable arrests under the 2-week period in review is that of a wanted armed robbery suspect, Jamiu Yahaya, also known as “Elesin,” who was apprehended in the Amukoko area.
A locally made pistol, live cartridges, and suspected charms were recovered from his residence.
In another major operation, police detectives bust a robbery gang linked to attacks in Ikotun and Egbeda. Acting on technical intelligence, four suspects were apprehended, with weapons recovered and confessional statements obtained.
Similarly, in Egbin and other parts of the state, additional suspects were arrested in possession of firearms and ammunition, further highlighting the widespread crackdown. The Command also recorded the arrest of suspected robbers involved in phone theft operations in Iba, recovering multiple high-end mobile devices. In a related case, suspects linked to a high-profile estate invasion in Lekki where vehicles were vandalized and residents intimidated were apprehended, with luxury vehicles and tools used in the crime recovered.
In a major anti-cultism operation, 21 suspects were arrested at a hotel in Ajao Estate during a gathering linked to the Aiye confraternity.
Items recovered included cult-branded materials, mobile phones, and a firearm. Additional arrests were made in Ajegunle, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Ogba, where suspected cultists and illicit drugs were recovered during coordinated raids.
The Command also dismantled a car theft syndicate responsible for stealing and dismantling vehicles for resale. Multiple suspects were arrested, with vehicles including a Toyota Sienna and Toyota Camry recovered. In a related development, suspects involved in vehicle vandalism were apprehended with tools and stolen property.
On the financial crime front, police operatives arrested a 62-year-old suspect linked to a ₦130 million fraud involving a microfinance bank.
Investigations revealed that the suspect used the proceeds to acquire luxury vehicles worth over ₦520 million, several of which have now been recovered.
In another case, an 18-year-old suspect was arrested while attempting to collect a ₦20 million ransom following threats to life, highlighting the Command’s proactive use of decoy operations to tackle extortion and cyber-related crimes.
Further successes include the arrest of individuals for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as recoveries made during ongoing gun mop-up operations across the state.
These operations, according to the Commissioner, demonstrate the Command’s resolve to dismantle armed robbery networks and restore public confidence in security across Lagos.
“I wish to assure Lagosians that under my leadership, the Command will continue to intensify operations and deploy all necessary resources to bring crime
and criminality to the barest minimum. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the good people of Lagos State for their cooperation, support, and timely provision of credible information, which greatly
contributed to the success recorded,” the Police Commissioner said.
The Lagos State Police Command assured residents that all suspects will be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations, urging them to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to sustain the fight against crime.
