The police in Lagos State have intercepted a truckload of military camouflage, firearms and illicit drugs during separate operations in different parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Police Command, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the activities of the command over the past few weeks.
The police boss described the recoveries and arrests as part of the sustained efforts to combat violent crime in the state and other parts of the country.
CP Tijani noted that operatives of the command intercepted a truck carrying about 8,000 pieces of military camouflage packed in 47 sacks.
The operation also led to the recovery of 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
CP Tijani told journalists: “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on intelligence-led operations, recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of three suspects identified as Chinedu David, male, aged 29; Ezeagwu Chukwuma, male, aged 38; and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, male, aged 45.
Read Also:Customs intercepts arms, military uniforms at port
“The operation further led to the recovery of one unregistered MAN diesel truck loaded with 47 sacks containing military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of drugs suspected to be illicit substances.”
According to the police boss, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered truck was allegedly being used to transport the military camouflage uniforms to the eastern part of the country.”
He told journalists that: “Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, ownership and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other persons connected with the criminal act.”
The police boss also stated that: “The command also recorded significant successes against violent crime, including the arrest of a suspect linked to a notorious ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate.
“Detectives also recovered 51 mobile phones believed to have been stolen from victims during previous operations carried out by the gang.”
Read Also:Police confirm recovery of Cameroonian flag, military uniforms in Adamawa
In another operation, police arrested two suspected cable vandals allegedly caught vandalising electrical installations on the Third Mainland Bridge.
CP Tijani said: “Operatives further arrested suspects for unlawful possession of firearms at different locations across the state, recovering pistols, live cartridges and other weapons believed to have been used in criminal activities.
“The command also arrested suspected cultists linked to the Eiye and Alora confraternities, recovering firearms and ammunition during the operations.
“In the area of immigration enforcement, the command rescued 38 foreign nationals from possible mob action in Epe.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that 20 of the individuals entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents.
“The matter has since been referred to the Nigerian Immigration Service and relevant diplomatic missions for appropriate action.”
“The police also arrested suspects involved in impersonation, including individuals posing as military personnel and unlawfully wearing Nigerian military uniforms and insignia,” he stated.
Other recoveries by the Lagos State Police Command include 14 firearms, four live cartridges, a MAN diesel truck, 51 mobile phones, two Vehicle Engine Control Units (ECUs), otherwise known as brain boxes, an operational motorcycle, vandalised electric cables, and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
