The Lagos State Police Command has announced major operational successes recorded in June 2026, leading to the arrest of numerous criminal suspects and the recovery of firearms, military camouflage uniforms, suspected illicit drugs, stolen items, and other incriminating exhibits across the state.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, said the achievements were the result of intelligence-led operations, proactive policing strategies, and swift responses to security threats aimed at protecting lives and property.

According to the police chief, a total of 14 firearms, four live cartridges, one MAN diesel truck, 51 mobile phones, two Vehicle Engine Control Units (ECU), one operational motorcycle, 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms, 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances, vandalized electrical cables, and other exhibits were recovered during the month.

Among the major breakthroughs was the arrest of two suspected cable vandals identified as Ikenegboge Godwin, 23, and Aondoaka Jacob, 23, who were caught vandalizing electrical cables on the Third Mainland Bridge. Recovered cables were seized while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

In another operation, police arrested Emeka Okolie, 32, for allegedly stealing iron rods from a Catholic church under construction in Ayetoro-Ijanikin. Further investigation led to the arrest of David James, 47, and Uche Mordi, 31, and the recovery of two double-barrel guns and six locally made single-barrel guns.

The command also dismantled a suspected “One Chance” robbery syndicate with the arrest of one suspect believed to have acquired a vehicle specifically for robbing unsuspecting commuters. Fifty-one mobile phones suspected to be proceeds of previous robberies were recovered during the operation.

At Festac Town, operatives on stop-and-search duty arrested Ahmed Saheed, 26, with two Vehicle Engine Control Units, popularly known as Brain Boxes, suspected to be stolen. Investigations are ongoing to determine their source.

Similarly, two suspects, Jamiu Asanlaye and Femi Adenuga, both aged 20, were arrested along the Ilupeju Bye-pass with a cut-to-size locally made pistol, an English Brownie pistol, and four live cartridges. The suspects allegedly identified another accomplice currently at large as the source of the firearms.

The command also arrested Falalu Mustapha, 20, in connection with an armed robbery case. A fabricated Beretta pistol and an operational motorcycle linked to robbery activities around the Ipaja axis were recovered. The suspect reportedly confessed to participating in a three-man robbery gang.

In a separate operation targeting impersonators, police arrested two suspected fake soldiers, Mercy Odundo, 38, and Joshua Ayomide, 31. A pump-action gun was recovered from them, while investigations revealed they were not personnel of the Nigerian Army.

One of the most significant breakthroughs recorded during the month involved the interception of an unregistered MAN diesel truck conveying military camouflage uniforms and suspected illicit substances.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the truck at the exit point of Lagos State. The vehicle was found loaded with forty-seven (47) sacks of military camouflage uniforms and eighty (80) cartons of drugs suspected to be illicit substances.

Four suspects identified as Chinedu David, 29, Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38, Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45, and Ndidiamaka Emeka, 43, were arrested and are currently in police custody.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the military camouflage uniforms were allegedly being transported to the Eastern part of the country. Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, ownership, and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as the extent of the suspects’ involvement. Efforts are also ongoing to apprehend other persons connected with the criminal act.

The command also arrested four suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity — Emmanuel Sailas, Oluwalekan Fagbule, Nurudeen Ganiyu, and Nurudeen Abdullahi. Recovered from them were an English Beretta pistol loaded with ten rounds of ammunition, a jack knife, and a locally made cut-to-size pistol.

On June 22, police arrested three suspects — Sulemon Azeez, Yusuf Tijani, and Timileyin Oyetola — in connection with an armed robbery incident in which a victim sustained gunshot injuries. A locally made pistol and four cartridges used during the robbery were recovered.

The command further rescued 38 foreign nationals from possible mob action in Epe. The individuals included nationals of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon, and Ghana. Preliminary investigations showed that 20 of them entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents. The matter has since been referred to the Nigerian Immigration Service and relevant embassies.

In another case, Christopher Obinna, 29, was arrested in Ikotun for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Navy officer. Recovered from him were a knife, a Navy identity card bearing another person’s details, and a Kings Guard identity card. He reportedly confessed to the offence and is being prepared for prosecution.

Police also arrested Solomon Ebe, 34, following a distress call over cult-related violence in Igando. A pump-action gun was recovered from him, and he allegedly confessed to being a member of the Alora Confraternity.

In a related development, Ishaya Barnabas, 26, was arrested for impersonation and wilful damage. Although he claimed to be a serving soldier attached to the 202 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Borno State, military authorities later confirmed that he had been dismissed from service in September 2024. He is currently being processed for prosecution.

CP Fatai said the successes recorded during the month reaffirm the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and the commitment of officers and men of the command to maintaining law and order in Lagos State.

He assured residents that the command would continue to deny criminals safe haven in the state and urged members of the public to support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and investigation efforts.

The Commissioner added that the command remains committed to sustaining the gains achieved and ensuring that all suspects connected with criminal activities are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.