Lagos Police Recover 36 Stolen Vehicles, Seize 81 Firearms, and Arrest Cultists, Sexual Offenders — CP Jimoh
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state, with the recovery of 36 stolen vehicles, 81 firearms, and the arrest of dozens of cultists, sexual offenders, and violent criminals, according to the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohungare Jimoh.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Ikeja, CP Jimoh disclosed that the successes came as a result of newly introduced strategies focused on intelligence-led operations, prompt crime detection, and public collaboration since he assumed office earlier this year.
"We’ve restructured our crime-fighting approach to ensure that Lagos remains safe for all residents, businesses, and investors,” CP Jimoh stated.
Recovery of Stolen Vehicles Across Lagos and Beyond
Among the Command’s achievements is the recovery of 36 stolen vehicles, some of which were snatched at gunpoint, diverted by entrusted drivers, or stolen from foreign countries and smuggled into Nigeria. Others were intercepted as they were being moved out of the country.
The recovered vehicles include brands like Lexus, Toyota Camry, Corolla, Porsche, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and more. Some were found without registration numbers, while others bore plates such as AGL 45 JL, KUJ 897 CN, AKD 588 JB, and 138 CD 46 (a diplomatic vehicle).
Members of the public whose vehicles were stolen are encouraged to visit the Command Headquarters with valid proof of ownership to identify and claim their vehicles.
Arrest of Notorious Serial Killer “Olori Eso”
CP Jimoh also confirmed the arrest of Wasiu Akinwande, also known as Olori Eso, on June 20, 2025, a suspect linked to a series of gruesome murders, including the killing of three individuals between 2010 and 2024.
“The suspect has confessed to multiple killings and was found in possession of nine automatic and lethal firearms. He remains in custody, and a court-issued remand warrant is in place as investigations continue,” the CP said.
Crackdown on Cultism: 23 Suspects Arrested
In a renewed effort to combat cult-related violence, the Lagos Police Command has established Anti-Cultism Squads across all 14 Area Commands, led by Chief Superintendents of Police. So far, 23 suspected cultists have been arrested across Mushin, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Lagos Island, Ilasamaja, Festac, Bariga, and other locations.
Some of the suspects have already been charged to court, while others remain under investigation.
Sexual and Gender-Based Offences: 52 Arrested
The Command has also intensified its crackdown on sexual and gender-based violence, arresting 52 suspects for various offences including:
- Rape (2 cases)
- Defilement (26 cases)
- Sexual assault by penetration (4)
- Indecent treatment of a child (1)
- Domestic violence (4)
- Abduction, child trafficking, and child stealing
- Other related offences
Of the 52 arrested, 44 have been charged to court, while eight cases remain under investigation.
Weapons Recovered from Armed Robbers and Cultists
As part of its “Speed, Silence, and Surprise” operations, the Command also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from suspects involved in armed robbery and cultism:
- 81 firearms (including high-caliber rifles)
- 213 live ammunition
- 43 cartridges
- 5 empty magazines
- 10 axes and cutlasses
- 3 toy guns
CP Jimoh: Lagos Will Not Be a Safe Haven for Criminals
CP Jimoh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to making Lagos hostile to criminal syndicates, stressing the use of technology, surveillance, and community intelligence to detect, deter, and dismantle crime networks.
“To criminals lurking in Lagos or planning to infiltrate, your time is up. Lagos is not and will never be a safe haven for your operations,” he warned.
He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their support, logistics, and equipment provisions, which have improved response time to as little as five minutes.
CP Jimoh also commended the cooperation of the public and urged continued vigilance, information sharing, and partnership to sustain the fight against crime.
“Together, we will continue to build a safer and more secure Lagos State for all,” he concluded.
No comments