The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended 47 suspects and recovered firearms, vehicles and other valuables across the state within the past two weeks.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
Tijani said the suspects were apprehended for various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, fraud and illegal possession of firearms.
According to him, 14 vehicles, 14 firearms, 10 locally made guns, four pump-action rifles, and 96 rounds of 5.2mm live ammunition were recovered.
He added that 29 live cartridges and one expended cartridge, as well as two laptops, 29 mobile phones and other incriminating items, were also recovered.
He said the successes were the result of deliberate intelligence-led strategies, enhanced community policing and collaboration with other security agencies.
“Also, the command uncovered a car theft syndicate, arresting five suspects on March 27.
“Two vehicles, a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Camry, were recovered, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover additional stolen vehicles.
Similarly, operatives arrested a 52-year-old suspect for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
“The arrest followed the discovery of a pillow containing an English-made pistol, 96 rounds of 5.2mm ammunition and three live cartridges, which the suspect allegedly concealed to evade detection,” he said.
The police boss said operatives also arrested a 62-year-old suspected serial fraudster over an alleged N130 million fraud.
“Investigations revealed that the suspect used the proceeds to acquire multiple luxury vehicles.
“Six vehicles valued at over N520 million have so far been recovered, with efforts ongoing to recover the remaining one and apprehend accomplices,” he said.
In another operation, the commissioner said the command arrested suspects in connection with conspiracy and vehicle vandalism in the Lekki area.
“The suspects invaded an estate and tampered with vehicles belonging to residents.
“The command recovered several vehicles believed to have been stolen or vandalised,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements would be sustained, as operations were ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to the crimes.
He commended residents for their cooperation and urged them to continue providing credible information to assist law enforcement agencies.
The police chief also warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.
CAPTION: The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
CAPTION: Exhibits recovered
