The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects during a major security operation targeting criminal hideouts in the Ilepo/Super area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at the Lagos State Taskforce Office in Oshodi, saying the operation was part of efforts to tackle rising criminal activities in the area.
According to Adebisi, the operation, tagged “Operation Kosaye” (No Chance for Criminality) Phase Three, was conducted in the early hours of Sunday following several complaints from residents over the activities of suspected hoodlums terrorising the community.
She explained that the intelligence-driven operation involved a joint team from the Lagos State Police Command, Lagos State Taskforce, Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, Eko Strike Force, Police Mobile Force, PMF, Counter Terrorism Unit, CTU, Special Protection Unit, SPU, and other tactical formations.
The police spokesperson said the operation focused on locations identified as criminal hideouts, where suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked motorists and residents, especially during night hours.
“During the operation, 147 suspects were arrested, while several items were recovered, including about 250 expended cartridges, two knives, five battle axes, a pair of scissors, assorted charms and matches,” she stated.
Adebisi noted that investigations had commenced to establish the source of the recovered ammunition and determine the level of involvement of the suspects in alleged criminal activities. She added that the suspects were currently being held at the Taskforce Office for profiling, screening and further investigation, after which those found culpable would be charged to court.
The PPRO also revealed that security operatives discovered what appeared to be a criminal hideout during the operation, adding that additional arrests were made through stop-and-search exercises conducted in other parts of the state. She explained that Operation Kosaye was a joint security initiative involving Lagos and Ogun states, designed to strengthen security around border communities and prevent criminal elements from exploiting such areas.
According to her, tactical units including the VCRU, PMF, SPU, CTU and Eko Strike Force have been deployed to strategic locations across border areas and other identified crime-prone spots to sustain the fight against criminal activities.
Adebisi assured residents that the command would intensify efforts against crimes such as cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, traffic robbery and other forms of criminality across Lagos. She warned criminals operating in the state to desist from unlawful acts, stressing that the police would continue to pursue offenders.
“Every day may be for the thief, but one day is for the owner. We advise all criminal elements to repent and stay away from crime because the Lagos State Police Command is determined to rid the state of every form of criminality,” she said.
