Lagos Police Arrest Over 60 Suspects, Recover Firearms, Military Uniforms, Illegal Drugs in June Crackdown
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, arresting dozens of suspects involved in armed robbery, cultism, impersonation, illegal possession of firearms, vandalism, and illegal immigration during operations conducted across the state in June 2026.
Addressing journalists during a monthly press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, said the Command's intelligence-led and proactive policing strategy led to the recovery of 14 firearms, live cartridges, 51 mobile phones, military camouflage uniforms, suspected illicit substances, stolen vehicle components, and other incriminating exhibits.
The police boss reaffirmed the Command's commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property while sustaining pressure on criminal elements operating within Lagos State.
Among the major successes recorded during the period was the arrest of two suspected cable vandals, identified as Ikenegboge Godwin and Aondoaka Jacob, who were apprehended while allegedly vandalizing electrical cables on the Third Mainland Bridge. Recovered from them were vandalized electric cables, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
In another operation, police operatives arrested three suspects over the theft of iron rods from a Catholic church under construction in Ayetoro-Ijanikin. Further investigations led to the recovery of two double-barrel guns and six locally-made single-barrel firearms. The suspects and exhibits have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.
The Command also recorded a breakthrough against a notorious "One Chance" robbery syndicate. A suspect linked to the group was arrested, while 51 mobile phones believed to have been stolen from victims were recovered. Investigations are ongoing to recover the vehicle used by the syndicate and arrest other accomplices.
At Festac Town, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Ahmed Saheed for unlawful possession of two Vehicle Engine Control Units (ECUs), commonly known as brain boxes, suspected to have been stolen. The suspect reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the items.
Similarly, two suspects were arrested along the Ilupeju Bye-pass for unlawful possession of firearms. Recovered from them were a locally-made pistol, an English Brownie pistol, and four live cartridges. The suspects allegedly confessed that the weapons were supplied by an accomplice currently at large.
In a separate operation, police operatives arrested a robbery suspect, Falalu Mustapha, and recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol as well as an operational motorcycle allegedly used by a robbery gang terrorizing residents around the Ipaja axis.
The Command also arrested two individuals suspected of impersonating military personnel. The suspects, Mercy Odundo and Joshua Ayomide, were apprehended while dressed in military uniforms, and a pump-action gun was recovered from them. Preliminary investigations revealed that neither suspect was a serving member of the Nigerian Army.
One of the most significant operations during the month involved the interception of an unregistered MAN diesel truck carrying 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs. Three suspects were arrested in connection with the discovery, while investigations continue to determine the source and intended destination of the recovered items.
The Command further intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities. Four suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were arrested with firearms and ammunition, while another suspect linked to the Alora Confraternity was apprehended in Igando after allegedly being caught shooting sporadically with a pump-action gun.
On June 22, police arrested three suspects in connection with an armed robbery incident during which a victim sustained gunshot injuries. Investigators recovered a locally-made pistol and spent cartridges allegedly used during the attack.
The Lagos State Police Command also rescued 38 foreign nationals from a potential mob attack in Epe. The group comprised nationals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana. Preliminary findings indicated that 20 of them entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents. The matter has been referred to the Nigerian Immigration Service and relevant diplomatic missions.
In separate cases of impersonation, police arrested Christopher Obinna for allegedly posing as a Nigerian Navy officer and Ishaya Barnabas, who falsely claimed to be a serving soldier despite having been dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2024. Both suspects are being processed for prosecution.
CP Tijani described the achievements as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the dedication of officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command.
He assured residents that the Command would continue to deny criminals any safe haven in Lagos and urged members of the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.
"The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to sustaining these gains and ensuring that all suspects involved in criminal activities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law," the Commissioner stated.
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