The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects and recovered 250 expended cartridges, 22 machetes and suspected illicit drugs during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts across parts of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the operation was carried out under the ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III to combat crime and enhance public safety across Lagos.
According to Adebisi, the intelligence-led operation was conducted at about 5:30 a.m. on July 19 by a joint team of operatives drawn from various formations of the Command. The raids targeted identified criminal hideouts at Boolar, Super Ile-Epo and other black spots across the state.
She said the operation was aimed at flushing out hoodlums and other criminal elements believed to be operating in the affected areas.
Items recovered during the operation included 250 expended cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, one pair of scissors, one lighter, assorted charms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
“During the operation, a total of 147 suspects were arrested. All the suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual culpability. Those found to have committed criminal offences will be prosecuted accordingly,” Adebisi said.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KO S’AYE III across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the continued implementation of Operation KO S’AYE III to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents,” she stated.
Adebisi urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information that would assist in identifying criminal hideouts, apprehending offenders and improving public safety across the state.
She added that members of the public could also report suspicious activities through the Lagos State Police Command’s emergency lines.
