Six suspected members of a notorious criminal gang were arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command during a routine patrol, police confirmed on Monday.
The arrests occurred last Thursday during a stop-and-search operation after officers intercepted an unregistered vehicle displaying suspicious behavior in the Lagos metropolis.
Upon searching the car, police recovered two locally-made pistols, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 17 live cartridges, and an unregistered 1999 Toyota Camry believed to have been stolen.
The suspects have been identified as Yakubu Oke (48), Teslim Balogun (33), Emmanuel Osas (33), Joseph Abah (34), Idris Adewunmi (32), and Opeyemi Kolawole (28).
“A preliminary interrogation at the scene revealed that the individuals could not produce valid identification or explain their movements credibly,” a senior officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Investigations have since confirmed that the suspects are linked to a criminal gang already on the police watchlist for a string of armed robberies and violent crimes across Lagos State.
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement:
“Yes, I can confirm that six suspects were arrested. Arms, ammunition, and a suspected stolen vehicle were recovered.
The suspects are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.”
Hundeyin described the arrests as a major step forward in the Command’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime in the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunwa Jimoh, remains resolute in his commitment to rid Lagos of criminal elements.
We continue to urge residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity,” he added.
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, has seen a rise in gang-related crimes in recent years, including armed robbery, vehicle theft, and cult-related violence.
In response, law enforcement agencies have intensified patrols and surveillance operations across the city.
Police say the suspects are still in custody and cooperating with investigators. Further arrests are expected, and the suspects will face formal charges upon the conclusion of the investigation.
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In a statement released through the Command, Commissioner Jimoh reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy on crime.
“We will not relent until Lagos is safe for all. Our officers are working day and night to ensure criminals face justice,” he said.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged the public to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency hotlines.
