The Lagos State Police Command has announced a series of breakthroughs in its fight against crime, including the recovery of dozens of stolen vehicles, the arrest of suspected cultists, and the launch of special security units to tackle emerging threats in the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh, made these disclosures during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, highlighting significant achievements in crime prevention and public safety across Lagos.
According to the Commissioner, police operatives recovered 32 high-value vehicles stolen from different parts of the country and intercepted in Lagos while being prepared for smuggling across international borders. “These vehicles, some worth hundreds of millions of naira, were stolen through fraud, force, or betrayal of trust by drivers and criminal syndicates. We recovered them before they could be trafficked out of the country,” Jimoh said.
He added that an additional 70 vehicles are currently in police custody under investigation, urging victims of vehicle theft to visit the Command for possible identification and recovery.
On cult-related crimes, CP Jimoh announced the arrest of over 23 suspected cultists found in possession of dangerous weapons. He displayed a cache of recovered arms, including fabricated and toy pistols, warning that even imitation firearms used to commit crimes carry serious legal consequences.
The police also paraded a notorious suspect, Wasiu Akiwande, also known as “Olu Elesho,” who allegedly confessed to owning five AK-47 rifles and participating in multiple killings. Investigators have so far linked the suspect to the deaths of over 10 individuals, as reported by their families.
To strengthen the crackdown on cultism, CP Jimoh revealed the creation of dedicated anti-cultism squads across all Area Commands in Lagos. These squads, he said, are tasked with arresting and prosecuting offenders for crimes ranging from unlawful assembly to murder.
Further reinforcing security, the Commissioner unveiled the expansion of the Eko Strike Force, a tactical unit formed to tackle flashpoints of insecurity. “Thanks to the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Eko Strike Force has grown from five to nine teams and is actively complementing the work of the Rapid Response Squad,” Jimoh said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for supplying advanced crime-fighting equipment and boosting the Command’s operational capacity.
“The role of the public cannot be overemphasized,” Jimoh stated. “Many of our successes are based on credible intelligence from residents, and we continue to urge the public to report suspicious activities.”
Reaffirming his commitment to a secure Lagos, the Commissioner declared, “Since my assumption of office, we have recorded no major armed robbery incidents. We are ready to protect Lagosians, and those who break the law will have no refuge here.”
He concluded by assuring residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, as the police remain vigilant in maintaining peace and order across the state.