Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Olamide Suleiman, during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Aguda area of the state, recovering a locally made pistol, a double-barrel gun and substances suspected to be cannabis.
The arrest was made along Adetola Road, Aguda, after officers intercepted the suspect during the operation.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of dry leaves suspected to be cannabis, while a further search of his bag uncovered a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge.
“During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that the recovered pistol belonged to one Emir, who was lodging at a hotel in Aguda,” Adebisi said.
Acting on the information, police operatives immediately stormed the hotel identified by the suspect. A search of the room allegedly occupied by the fleeing suspect resulted in the recovery of a double-barrel gun.
“Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives proceeded to the hotel, where a search of the room allegedly occupied by the said Emir led to the recovery of one double-barrel gun. The principal suspect, however, fled before the arrival of the operatives,” the police spokesperson stated.
She added that investigations were ongoing, while efforts had been intensified to track down the fleeing suspect and other suspected members of the criminal gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives, describing the operation as another demonstration of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Lagos State of criminal elements and urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and detection,” Adebisi said.
The Command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines to enhance public safety and security across Lagos State.
