Three members of a suspected armed gang that invaded the Safejo area of Amukoko in Lagos State during the Christmas celebration have been arrested by the police in Lagos State.
The police also successfully foiled the attempt by the armed gang members to unleash terror on residents of the Lagos community.
The arrested suspects and others still at large were attempting to rob residents of Amukoko on Christmas Day when the state Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, deployed policemen to the area.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement signed by him on Friday and made available to the Saturday Tribune.
Adejobi also added that other armed robbers and kidnappers were arrested around the same time in other parts of the country.
The Force Public Relations Officer said: “In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to commands and formations to implement unalloyed anti-crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists, and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.
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“On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1 am, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State.”
The Nigeria Police Force image maker also added, “The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of three of the suspected hoodlums, identified as Emmanuel Okoli (20 years), Ogunde Tejiri (20 years), and Emmanuel Orji (18 years), and the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area.
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“The police have initiated intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”
According to ACP Adejobi, “In a similar development, police operatives attached to the Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8 pm, successfully apprehended Sule Muhammad (25 years), who had been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect.”
According to him, “The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang that had been evading arrest since the capture of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024.
“Following cooperation from Muhammad, efforts are underway to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp.
“Commendable efforts by the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been observed in states including Delta, Ogun, Katsina, Benue, FCT, and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.”
He noted, “The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season.
“The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season.”
The police image maker assured that, “As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.”
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