Lagos Police Recover Over ₦300m, Arms In Major Crackdown On Crime

The Lagos State Police Command says it recovered over ₦300 million linked to alleged criminal activities and seized several firearms and ammunition during a series of operations carried out across the state in May 2026.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this in Ikeja during a press briefing on the Command’s operational achievements for the month.

According to him, operatives arrested ten suspects involved in offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism to vehicle theft, conspiracy and stealing.

Among the items recovered were three AK-47 rifles, two SMGs, one revolver pistol, one fabricated pistol, three locally made pistols, six magazines and forty-two rounds of live ammunition.

The state Police Chief said one of the major breakthroughs was the arrest of Chibuzor Mogbo in Delta State over the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at more than ₦1 billion belonging to MEA Energy.

He said the suspect confessed during interrogation, leading to the recovery of cash and properties worth over ₦300 million connected to the crime.

He disclosed that the Command also foiled a kidnap attempt in Ejigbo on May 24 after operatives acted on intelligence regarding a gang allegedly targeting a businessman.

CP Fatai said four suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle, while one suspect escaped with gunshot injuries. 

He added that a Toyota Sienna vehicle, an AK-47 rifle, an SMG rifle and live ammunition were recovered from the scene.

In another operation, the state police boss said men of the command arrested a suspected vehicle thief, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan, Oyo State, after allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer and altering the vehicle documents.

"Operatives also recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol from the residence of an alleged cult leader, Waliu Olaleye, in Igando", he said.

The Command further uncovered an alleged staged kidnapping involving a scrap dealer, Adamu Abdullahi, who reportedly collaborated with accomplices to extort money from his employer.

Other arrests included suspected car vandals in Bariga and a suspect caught with a revolver pistol and live ammunition during stop-and-search operations in Shasha.

CP Fatai said the Command would continue intelligence-led operations and proactive policing strategies aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property across Lagos State.