Ikotun–Igando LCDA Chairman, Residents Commend Police for Disrupting Criminal Networks

Ikotun–Igando LCDA Chairman, Residents Commend Police for Disrupting Criminal Networks

Residents, community leaders and the leadership of Ikotun–Igando Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have commended the Nigeria Police for what they described as sustained and effective efforts in disrupting criminal networks and improving security across the densely populated Ikotun–Igando axis of Lagos State.

The commendation followed a series of intelligence-led operations by the Ikotun Divisional Police Headquarters under the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Oni Waheed, in collaboration with the Police Tactical Unit, Ijegun, commanded by CSP Akinola Aduroja.

Ikotun and Igando are among the most populous communities in Lagos, with a large youth population and a history of security challenges linked to cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities. These issues have occasionally raised public concerns, including recent comments on social media alleging the presence of criminal networks in the area.

However, residents and community stakeholders say the security situation on the ground has significantly improved, attributing the progress to increased police visibility, strategic leadership and consistent operations targeting criminal elements.

According to residents, sustained patrols and intelligence-driven interventions have forced many suspected criminals to flee the area, while others have been arrested and prosecuted. They urged the police to sustain and intensify current efforts to consolidate the gains recorded so far.

Community leaders acknowledged the challenges posed by population pressure and youth restiveness but praised the police for curbing criminal activities while maintaining engagement with law-abiding youths and local stakeholders.

A recent operation underscored these efforts. On 21 December 2025, operatives of the Ijegun Tactical Team, in a joint operation with the Ikotun Division, raided Five Point Hotel & Suites along Igando Road at about 10:45 p.m., acting on credible intelligence from residents. Three suspected members of a cult group were arrested during the operation and subsequently transferred to the Task Force Unit for further investigation and prosecution.

Residents described the raid as one of several successful interventions carried out in recent months. They cited previous operations that led to the arrest and prosecution of suspected cultists, recovery of firearms and ammunition, and the disruption of drug distribution networks. Some suspects arrested in earlier operations have reportedly been convicted and are serving prison terms.

Just last week, the Ikotun Division also arrested several suspected hoodlums for disturbing public peace and transferred them to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation.

A business operator on Governor’s Road, Kayode Obadina, praised the collaboration between the police and community members, noting that it has contributed significantly to improved public safety across the Ikotun–Igando corridor.

“There are many young people in this area, and that sometimes comes with security challenges. But the police presence and regular operations have helped to keep things under control,” he said.

The Chairman of Ikotun–Igando LCDA, Senior Comrade Lasisi Ayinde Akinsanya, also commended the police for their commitment to maintaining security and urged sustained surveillance to ensure long-term safety.

“The safety of lives and property remains a top priority of this administration. Achieving this requires effective policing, accountability and strong collaboration between security agencies and the community,” Akinsanya said.

While acknowledging lingering concerns around cultism and drug abuse, the chairman noted that recent police actions demonstrate renewed resolve to tackle the challenges. He called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.

Residents expressed optimism that with continued leadership under CSP Oni Waheed and CSP Akinola Aduroja, criminal activities in Ikotun and Igando will continue to decline, allowing law-abiding residents to live and conduct business in a safer environment.