Lagos Police crush crime: 2,176 suspected robbers, others prosecuted in four months

By Deborah Akpede

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, has disclosed that the command arrested and prosecuted 2,176 suspects, including armed robbers, kidnappers, and murderers, between September 2024 and January 2025.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Ishola highlighted that the suspects were charged with various crimes, such as murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, and illegal possession of firearms.

Items recovered during the arrests included vehicles, AK-47 rifles, locally made pistols, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons.

Ishola attributed the command’s success to enhanced interagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and innovative policing strategies.

“During this period, we conducted intelligence-led operations, mapped out crime hotspots, and deployed targeted interventions, which ensured the peaceful season we experienced,” he explained.

Zero-Crime Yuletide

The Commissioner noted that Lagos recorded a zero-crime rate during the festive period, with over 5,000 international visitors arriving at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in December 2024 and celebrating without incident.

“The measures we put in place yielded positive results. Reports of potential security breaches were addressed promptly through crime mapping and coordinated policing,” he said.

Support and Future Plans

Ishola acknowledged the contributions of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing the necessary resources and logistics to maintain security.

Looking ahead, the Commissioner announced plans to deploy drones for enhanced surveillance across Lagos, further boosting public safety.

He also called for continued public cooperation, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

“Lagos has been unanimously adjudged the safest state in the country, and we are committed to sustaining this zero-tolerance policy for crime,” Ishola affirmed.