Lagos Police Arrest 32 Suspects, Recover 43 Vehicles, Firearms and N2.5m in September
The Lagos State Police Command says it arrested 32 suspects and recovered 43 vehicles, firearms, ammunition, ₦2.5 million cash and other exhibits during various operations across the state in September 2026.
The arrests, according to the Command, were linked to alleged armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, destruction of property and other criminal activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed the figures at a press briefing in Lagos, where he also highlighted several operations carried out by police formations across the state.
Among the recovered exhibits were five pump-action guns, five locally made pistols, 20 live rounds of ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended rounds of ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms, a television set, a radiator, a car jack and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools.
One of the major incidents highlighted by the Commissioner was the death of Sergeant Johnson Okediji, who was allegedly knocked down and dragged for several metres by a Lexus ES 350 during a stop-and-search operation along Olugbede Street, Egbeda, on September 26.
According to the police, the driver, 21-year-old Olumide Olusola, initially stopped after being signalled by officers but allegedly sped off as the sergeant approached the driver’s side.
The officer reportedly sustained multiple fractures and serious head injuries. He was taken to a hospital and later referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police said Olusola was subsequently chased and arrested, while the vehicle was recovered to the station.
Fatai appealed to members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out lawful stop-and-search and visibility-policing duties. He, however, urged residents who observe misconduct by police officers to report such behaviour rather than obstructing officers performing their duties.
The Command also announced intensified enforcement against covered number plates, unregistered vehicles and the unauthorised use of dealers’ number plates, saying more than 41 vehicles were impounded during an early-morning operation on Monday.
The Commissioner warned motorists against covering their number plates or using dealers’ plates on vehicles that do not qualify for such registration, adding that the enforcement would continue.
In another operation, police operatives on patrol along Oko Oba Road arrested 32-year-old Ojo Azeez after suspected hoodlums reportedly fled on sighting the police.
A locally made cut-to-size pistol, a radiator, a jack, an engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools were allegedly recovered from him.
Police said investigation is ongoing to establish the source of the items and his possible involvement in other crimes.
The Command also reported the arrest of 29-year-old Ezekiel Sunday Obi in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Ghost and Spirit Lounge on Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.
According to the police, armed men, reportedly carrying an AK-47 rifle, drove into the lounge in a grey Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV and allegedly robbed a man of his gold wrist chain and rings.
Obi was subsequently arrested at the Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ogun boundary, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged gang.
In a separate case, police arrested Ogunbayo Abdulwahib after receiving information that a group of young men had allegedly moved from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah, where they allegedly entered residential apartments and dispossessed occupants of valuables.
The police said Abdulwahib led operatives to Muritical Hotel and Suites in Idi-Oro, where ₦2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered from a room he allegedly occupied with other gang members who had fled before the arrival of the police.
The Command further announced the arrest of Lekan Jimoh, 32; Oyepeju Olanrewaju, 33; and Olurebi Suleiman, 30, in the Idi-Oro area of Mushin over alleged robbery-related activities.
Police said information obtained during interrogation led to the recovery of a black pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu, from 47-year-old Banjo Taiwo.
Further investigation reportedly led to the arrest of 26-year-old Ebuka Benedict at Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm rounds of ammunition were allegedly recovered.
Cultism also featured prominently in the Command’s September operations, with police reporting the arrest of several suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity.
Femi Ishola, 35, and Daniel Luke, 27, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard following intelligence gathering and assistance from community stakeholders, while 12 other suspected members of the group, aged between 23 and 49, were arrested in the Imeke area of Badagry.
Police said a locally made cut-to-size gun, vehicles, vehicle keys and suspected criminal charms were recovered from the Badagry suspects, with seven subsequently charged to court.
The Command also reported arrests for alleged unlawful possession of firearms in Ojo and Badagry, as well as cases of suspected stealing, breaking and entering and destruction of property in Epe, Ejigbo and Idimu.
In another operation at Capa, Oshodi, police arrested 15-year-old Taiye Majekodunmi, who was allegedly transporting concealed firearms and ammunition inside a loaf of bread for delivery to another person.
The police said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of 9mm ammunition and a locally made cut-to-size gun were recovered, with further investigation leading to the recovery of another cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.
Fatai said the Command would continue to protect police personnel carrying out their lawful duties while holding officers accountable where their conduct falls below professional standards.
He commended the officers and operatives for the reported breakthroughs and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a shared responsibility.
Niran Odufayo
