Police arrest robbery and cult gangs in Lagos, seize weapons

The Lagos State Police Command has announced some progress in their fight against armed robbery, cult activities, and illegal gun possession in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, shared this news on Tuesday while speaking to reporters at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

He mentioned that the coordinated efforts by officers led to several arrests and the recovery of advanced weapons.

In one operation, Tijani said that officers caught a 20-year-old suspect linked to a robbery case. This suspect was transferred from the Oke-Odo Division.

“A fabricated Beretta pistol and a motorcycle used by a robbery gang in the Ipaja area were recovered.

“The suspect admitted to taking part in a robbery involving three people. We are still working to catch the others who ran away,” he said.

Tijani also noted that on June 22, police arrested three suspects related to an armed robbery where a victim was shot.

He said they found a locally-made pistol and four spent cartridges with them.

The police commissioner explained that officers discovered a case of conspiracy and illegal gun possession after receiving tips from the Ayetoro-Ijanikin area.

“Based on this information, we arrested three suspects and recovered two double-barrel guns and six locally made single-barrel guns,” he stated.

According to him, the suspects have been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further questioning.

In a different patrol on Ilupeju Bye-pass, he reported that two suspects were caught with a cut-to-size pistol, an English Browning pistol, and four live cartridges.

Tijani also confirmed the arrest of two men posing as soldiers. They were found hiding a pump-action gun.

The police chief mentioned that four suspected cult members linked to the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested.

He said they recovered a Beretta pistol with live rounds, a locally-made pistol, and a knife from them.

Investigations are still ongoing at the State CID, Panti.

The CP stated that one suspect was caught in Igando during an emergency response to cult violence. A pump-action gun was also taken from him.

He said the suspect confessed to being part of the Alora Confraternity, while others involved are still on the run.

The commissioner assured the public that all arrested individuals would face charges. He added that security operations will continue to cleanse the state of criminal activities and illegal firearms.

He emphasized the command's dedication to maintaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring safety for all residents.