$4,000 Counterfeit Dollars, Illegal Firearms and Ritual Charms Seized as Lagos Police Dismantle Syndicates
LAGOS — The Lagos State Police Command has announced significant operational successes for the month of November 2025, highlighting the recovery of stolen vehicles, dismantling of criminal networks, and seizure of dangerous weapons and illegal items.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, said the achievements were the result of intelligence-led operations, targeted raids, sustained surveillance, and prompt tactical responses across major divisions in the state.
According to the Commissioner, the Command recovered 10 stolen vehicles and 1 motorcycle, arrested suspects linked to violent crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, car-snatching, fraudulent conversion, and smuggling, and seized multiple firearms and combat equipment used by criminal gangs.
> “These achievements reflect our November strategy aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, intercepting stolen property, removing illegal firearms from circulation and strengthening public safety across Lagos State,” CP Jimoh stated.
Key Recoveries
Vehicles and Motorcycle
The following vehicles were recovered through coordinated operations and intelligence gathering:
1. White Toyota Hilux (KTU 940 JR) — traced after being hired and used to obtain property under false pretenses.
2. White Range Rover Short SUV — secured after the individual last seen with it could not be identified by the registered owner.
3. Black Toyota Land Cruiser — intercepted over the absence of valid customs documentation and suspected smuggling.
4. Silver Lexus GX 460 SUV — recovered after a trusted party disposed of it without the owner’s consent.
5. Silver Honda CR-V — seized from a syndicate notorious for armed vehicle snatching across Edo, Ogun, and Lagos States.
6. Grey Toyota Corolla (SMK 437 HV) — found abandoned in a secluded location.
7. Wine Toyota Corolla (LSD 887 JJ) — recovered after the arrest of members of an interstate snatching gang.
8. Ash Lexus ES 350 — traced to a criminal group who fraudulently acquired and transferred the vehicle.
9. Toyota Highlander (2011 model, ash color) — seized during coordinated operations targeting suspected stolen cars.
10. Boxer Bajaj Motorcycle (KTU 310 QN) — intercepted following surveillance monitoring suspicious movements.
Recovery of Firearms, Weapons, and Illegal Items
The Police Command also recorded major breakthroughs against violent crime in Lagos.
Items seized from suspects during raids and follow-up operations include:
1 locally fabricated cut-to-size gun
1 cut-to-size single-barrel gun
4 locally made pistols
Multiple live cartridges
1 machete
1 battle axe
1 assault dagger
Nigerian military camouflage uniform
A charm believed to be used for protection
Fake United States currency valued at $4,000
CP Jimoh said these seizures significantly disrupted the operational capacity of criminal groups responsible for violent attacks in different parts of the state.
> “The recovery of these weapons and materials enhances the security landscape of Lagos. Removing them from criminal networks weakens their capacity to threaten lives and property,” he added.
Ongoing Investigations
The Commissioner revealed that several arrested suspects are assisting ongoing investigations.
Focus areas include:
Identifying accomplices linked to robbery and kidnapping rings
Tracing interstate and cross-border criminal networks involved in vehicle theft
Authenticating owners of recovered vehicles and the motorcycle
Determining the source of the recovered fake currency
Investigating the use of charms and military camouflage to facilitate crimes
Enhancing oversight on car-hire and informal transport schemes exploited by criminals
Enhanced Security Measures Ahead of Festive Season
With the festive season approaching, CP Jimoh assured residents and visitors that Lagos remains safe. He emphasized that the Command has deployed new operational strategies, reinforcing security around:
Schools
Places of worship
Public utilities
Major event venues
Critical infrastructure
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to assist the police, stressing that community collaboration remains a cornerstone of successful policing.
> “Lagos is safe for everyone. No one should cancel travel or activities. Our officers have provided adequate measures to ensure the protection of all residents and visitors throughout December and beyond,” he assured.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation to communities, stakeholders, and the general public for their cooperation, noting that collective vigilance and timely reporting were instrumental in the Command’s November achievements.
No comments