Lagos police crackdown yields significant breakthroughs as Commissioner Fatai Tijani reports arrests of armed robbers, cultists and recovery of illegal firearms across the state
Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani of the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, announced notable breakthroughs in the ongoing crackdown on armed robbery, cultism and illegal possession of firearms across Lagos.
Mr Tijani addressed journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja, highlighting coordinated operations that led to several arrests and the seizure of sophisticated weapons.
The developments reflect sustained efforts to tackle persistent security threats in Nigeria’s commercial hub.
In one operation, operatives from the Oke-Odo Division apprehended a 20-year-old suspect linked to a robbery gang operating around the Ipaja axis.
A fabricated Beretta pistol and an operational motorcycle were recovered. The suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in a three-man operation, with efforts continuing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices.
On June 22, three other suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery in which a victim sustained gunshot injuries. Police recovered a locally-made pistol and four expended cartridges from them.
Acting on intelligence from the Ayetoro-Ijanikin area, officers arrested three suspects and recovered two double-barrel guns and six locally fabricated single-barrel guns.
Separately, along the Ilupeju Bye-pass, two individuals were detained in possession of a cut-to-size pistol, an English Browning pistol and four live cartridges.
Mr Tijani also confirmed the arrest of two suspected fake soldiers who were impersonating military personnel while concealing a pump-action gun, as well as four members of the Eiye Confraternity.
Items recovered from the cultists included a Beretta pistol loaded with live ammunition, a locally-made pistol and a knife.
In Igando, a rapid response to cult-related violence led to the arrest of a suspect belonging to the Alora Confraternity, with a pump-action gun recovered.
The commissioner noted that all suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at Panti for further investigation.
Fatai Tijani assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment. “All arrested suspects would be prosecuted,” he stated, adding that intensified operations would continue to rid the state of criminal elements.
Lagos has long grappled with incidents of armed robbery and cult-related violence, particularly in densely populated suburbs.
While these latest successes demonstrate proactive policing, challenges remain in addressing the root causes of crime, including youth unemployment and the proliferation of illegal arms.
The command’s renewed push comes amid broader national efforts to enhance public safety and restore confidence in law enforcement.
Residents have welcomed the progress even as they call for sustained vigilance to maintain the gains achieved.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
