Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) have arrested a 35-year-old suspected gun runner in Imota, Ikorodu, recovering locally made firearms and other weapons allegedly linked to cult activities.
The suspect, identified as Jelili Adeyemo, was apprehended during a surveillance operation carried out by officers of the Imota Command following complaints from residents of the Araromi community over repeated incidents of petrol theft from parked vehicles.
According to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), operatives intensified surveillance in the area and intercepted the suspect at about 2:00 a.m. on Saturday after observing what was described as suspicious movement.
A subsequent search of another residence allegedly linked to the suspect at No. 13, Agundugbun Street, Imota, led to the recovery of two locally made long guns, three locally made short guns, military camouflage items, jack knives, a stun device, cutlasses, metal handcuffs, used cartridges and other exhibits.
The agency said the suspect allegedly confessed to keeping firearms for members of the Aiye cult group.
Following the operation, the suspect and all recovered exhibits were handed over to the Imota Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commenting on the arrest, the General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, said the operation reflected the agency’s resolve to support ongoing efforts to tackle crime across the state.
“This arrest reflects the Agency’s commitment, in line with the vision of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to combating crime and enhancing public safety,” Oyekan said.
He called on residents to continue working with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and improve public safety.
“We urge residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. Community support remains vital to our efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across Lagos State,” he added.
The arrest comes amid sustained security operations by law enforcement agencies aimed at disrupting the activities of armed gangs, cult groups and other criminal elements operating in parts of Lagos State.
