Lagos police arrests 1, 182 suspects for kidnapping, murder, robbery

Lagos state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has stated that 1,182 suspects were arrested by operatives of the command for armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and other crimes, since he assumed office.

Reading a scorecard on the activities of the command in the last 119 days, Odumosu said the command recorded 10 cases of suicide, while seven suicide attempts were prevented.

Speaking to journalists at the police headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday, the police commissioner also revealed that 34 different firearms with assorted ammunitions and 22 stolen vehicles were recovered.

According to him, 98 armed robbery attempts were foiled by operatives of the command, while 13 suspected robbers lost their lives during gun battles with the police.

Odumosu said: “In my maiden press briefing, I clearly stated that my mission is to provide a safer and better secured state that will guarantee the socio-economic well-being of the people and enhance their quality of life.

“This is being achieved through mobilization of a more courageous, dedicated, humane and professional police officers in the state.

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“I am bold to say that our policing strategies are yielding positive results. Within the last 119 days, the command arrested 164 armed robbery suspects and successfully foiled 98 armed robbery attempts. 13 armed robbery suspects died during exchange of fire with the police and 165 suspects were arrested for cultism.

“Four suspects were arrested for kidnapping and 103 suspects were arrested for murder. The state recorded 10 cases of suicide and prevented seven suicide attempts. 34 assorted firearms with lots of ammunition of different calibre were recovered. The command also recovered 22 stolen vehicles.”

Similarly, he said raids were carried out on criminal hide-outs, resulting in the arrest of 981 suspects out 791 were charged to court, while 723 suspects were convicted and 22 suspects are awaiting trial.

Giving an update on the enforcement of the restriction on commercial motorcycles and tricycle operators on 48 routes, bridges and expressways in the state, Odumosu said 3, 512 motorcycles and 202 tricycles have so far been impounded.

“I make bold to declare that a total of 3,512 motorcycles and 202 tricycles were impounded since the commencement of the enforcement and 40 suspects arrested. 25 traffic offenders, mostly those driving against traffic (one way) were arrested and successfully prosecuted,” he added.