Police arrested Six suspected gang members in Lagos State

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Police arrested Six suspected gang members  in Lagos State

Six suspected members of a notorious criminal gang have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command during a routine patrol, police authorities confirmed on Monday.

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The arrests were made on Thursday during a stop-and-search operation after officers intercepted an unregistered vehicle behaving suspiciously in the Lagos metropolis. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 17 live cartridges, and an unregistered 1999 Toyota Camry believed to have been stolen.

The suspects have been identified as Yakubu Oke, 48; Teslim Balogun, 33; Emmanuel Osas, 33; Joseph Abah, 34; Idris Adewunmi, 32; and Opeyemi Kolawole, 28.

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"They were questioned at the scene but failed to provide any valid identification or plausible explanation about their movements," a senior police officer told this reporter under condition of anonymity.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to a criminal gang already on the police watchlist for a series of armed robberies and other violent crimes across the state.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in a text message:

"Yes, I can confirm that six suspects were arrested. Arms, ammunition, and a suspected stolen vehicle were recovered. The suspects are currently assisting with ongoing investigations."

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Hundeyin described the arrest as a significant step in the Command's ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates across Lagos.

"The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, remains committed to ensuring that all criminal elements are flushed out of Lagos. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities," he added.

Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, has in recent years experienced a rise in gang-related crimes, particularly armed robbery, car theft, and cult clashes. In response, the police have increased surveillance and intelligence-led patrols across the state.

The suspects remain in custody and are reportedly cooperating with investigators. Police say further arrests are expected as investigations continue, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the inquiry.

In a statement issued through the command, Jimoh reiterated the state's zero-tolerance stance on crime.

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"We will not rest until Lagos is safe for all residents. Our operatives are working around the clock to ensure criminal elements face the full weight of the law," the statement read.

The Lagos State Police Command has urged members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or via the emergency hotlines.

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