Lagos State Police Command has arrested 47 suspected criminals across the state in a series of coordinated operations targeting cultism, armed robbery, and other offences.
The suspects, who are currently in custody, were apprehended by operatives of various police units under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters on Tuesday, Tijani described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on crime in the state.
He said the operations also led to the recovery of 14 firearms, including 10 locally made guns and four pump-action rifles, as well as 96 rounds of 5.2mm live ammunition, 29 live cartridges, and one expended cartridge.
Other items recovered include 14 vehicles, two laptops, 29 mobile phones, a flash drive, and other incriminating materials.
The police boss disclosed that on April 1, 2026, operatives acting on intelligence arrested a 23-year-old suspect, Sunday Daniel, in Ajegunle, where a locally made pistol was recovered from his residence.
According to him, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Aiye Confraternity and has provided useful information to aid the arrest of other fleeing members.
In a related operation, a suspected armed robber identified as Jamiu Yahaya, also known as “Elesin,” was arrested in the Amukoko area following intelligence reports.
A search of his residence led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and an empty shell.
Tijani further revealed that 21 suspects linked to cult activities were arrested on April 5 at a hotel in Ajao Estate while allegedly celebrating the birthday of a fleeing cultist known as “Actor.”
Items recovered from the scene include a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, cult-branded materials, a laptop, and 23 mobile phones.
In another incident, the command arrested an 18-year-old suspect, Israel Osanwuta, during a decoy operation following a complaint of a threat to life and a ₦20 million ransom demand in the Ojokoro area.
Recovered exhibits include a laptop and a flash drive, while the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime.
The commissioner also disclosed that three additional suspects were arrested in connection with a gang that allegedly impersonated security operatives to attack estates and vandalise vehicles.
Recovered items from the suspects include three Lexus vehicles and tools used for vandalism.
The suspects are said to have confessed to operating a syndicate specialising in vehicle vandalism across the state.
Tijani assured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to support police operations.
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