By Matthew Johnson
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects and recovered 250 expanded cartridges, 22 machetes, illicit drugs and other dangerous items during a coordinated raid on criminal hideouts across the state.
The operation, conducted under the ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III, took place in the early hours of Sunday at Boolar, Super Ile-Epo and other identified black spots, following credible intelligence.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin? Wait, the release was signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi, the raid commenced at about 5:30 a.m. and involved a joint team of operatives drawn from different formations of the command.
The statement said the operation was aimed at flushing out hoodlums and other criminal elements allegedly terrorising residents in the affected areas.
Items recovered during the raid included 250 expanded cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, one lighter, one pair of scissors, assorted charms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The police said all 147 suspects are in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual involvement in criminal activities.
It added that suspects found culpable would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and dedication, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KO S’AYE III across the state.
According to him, the operation is designed to deny criminals safe havens and enhance the security of lives and property in Lagos.
The police commissioner also appealed to residents to support the command with timely and credible information that would aid the identification of criminal hideouts, arrest of offenders and improvement of public safety across the state.