LAGOS CP RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS IN APRIL, ARREST 118 SUSPECTS, RECOVERS 15 FIREARMS
By Olayiwiola Ibrahim // Lagos // The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, psc, mnips, has announced major operational successes recorded in April 2026, including the arrest of 118 suspects and the recovery of firearms, vehicles, and other incriminating items across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing, CP Fatai said the achievements were the result of deliberate intelligence-led policing strategies, strategic deployments, and strong collaboration between the police and members of the public.
Giving an Operational Summary in April,
Within the month under review, the Command recorded an arrest of 118 suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, vandalism, unlawful possession of firearms, and street violence.
Recovery of 15 firearms, 11 locally fabricated Beretta pistols, one cut-to-size pistol, one English Beretta pistol, and two dane guns.
Other recoveries, Nine telecom power batteries, four cutlasses, one knife, 21 bags of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, assorted charms, 14 vehicles, 29 mobile phones, two laptops, one flash drive, and other exhibits.
CP Fatai also highlighted the Command’s successful security operations during the recent Easter celebrations, noting that proactive deployment of personnel to worship centres, highways, recreational centres, and other strategic locations helped ensure a peaceful celebration across the state.
The Command recorded no major security breach during the Easter period, he said, attributing the success to careful planning, operational vigilance, and collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding residents.
Speaking on the Key Cases in April, a major Raid of Criminal Hideouts around Lekki Corridor, On April 27, operatives arrested 58 suspects across Ilasan, Lekki, and Maroko axis over street crimes, traffic robbery, and harassment of residents.
Items recovered included weapons used for phone snatching and armed attacks.
Kidnapping, Murder Arrests – Ikorodu: On April 27, two suspected kidnappers, Elijah Emmanuel, 23, and Tony Ekwane Oghanetega, 21, were arrested at Lucy Fibre Area, Ikorodu.
They were linked to the kidnap and murder of 17-year-old Thomson Omokhafe Adams on April 22, and the murder of a female victim in November 2025 after a ₦300,000 ransom was paid.
Following intelligence from Glo Nigeria on the theft of over 650 power assets, operatives arrested Orji Emeka in Ikeja, Obiagwu Kingsley in Alausa, and Oluwatosin Sani in Ikorodu. Nine telecom power batteries were recovered.
In a Cult Clashes between Ilasan and Lagos Island On April 12, five suspected Aiye Confraternity members were arrested over the murder of Emmanuel Obioson, an alleged Eiye member, in Ilasan.
On April 20, 20 suspects linked to Aiye and Eiye confraternities were also arrested on Lagos Island over violent attacks recorded on April 10.
In another dimension, on Anthony Bridge and Ayetoro on April 22, Umar Muhammad Abubakar Sodiq, 19, was arrested on Anthony Bridge with a cutlass and two locally fabricated Beretta pistols.
On April 28, Destiny Garuba, 25, was arrested at Ayetoro Bus Stop after dispossessing a woman of her belongings.
Gun Runners Arrested: Mustapha Mohammed, 20, and Sanusi Musa, 20, were arrested for unlawful possession and attempted sale of a Beretta pistol.
They named Umaru Naeem of Kaduna State as the owner. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.
While in Ajao Estate and Festac on April 19, Emmanuel Ogbu, 38, an ex-convict, and Obumneke Iromaka, 40, were arrested in Ajao Estate.
On April 27, five suspects were arrested at a hotel in Festac over cult-related violence.
Dennis Omoniyi, 37, was also arrested for issuing threats and confessed to cult membership.
Other Notable Arrests made by the Police were Jamiu Yahaya, aka Elesin, in Amukoko with a locally made pistol and charms. In Ajao Estate, 21 suspected cultists were arrested during a birthday celebration for a fleeing cult member, Actor.
Detectives also arrested Robert Smith, 62, a suspected serial fraudster who allegedly defrauded a microfinance bank of ₦130 million and bought luxury vehicles, six of which have been recovered.
CP Fatai assured residents that the Lagos State Police Command remains committed to intensifying intelligence driven operations, strengthening community engagement, and sustaining visibility policing to keep the state safe.
He urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing credible and timely information, adding that all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
About Author
