Police allay fears over reported invasion of Lagos market by foreigners

The police in Lagos State have allayed the fears of residents around and traders at the popular Alaba Rago over reports that criminals from Niger Republic and other neighbouring African countries are converging at the market.

The police in the state also warned illegal immigrants and other criminals, who hide at the market along the Lagos – Badagry expressway against criminal activities around the market.

Residents and traders have for some time now been raising alarm over suspicious movements of foreigners into the market.

They also alleged that the foreigners make it impossible for police in the area to arrest suspected criminals, who were tracked to the market.

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The state commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu while speaking with newsmen on the situation at the market denied that there were no reports of attacks against policemen at the market.

The police boss also dispelled reports that hoodlums have continued to repel many attempts by policemen from Ojo police station to arrest criminals at the market

CP Odumosu said that the police would work with the leadership of the market as part of community policing to arrest criminals at the market/

The local council in the area , Iba Local Council Development Area is also concerned about the report of crimes at the market .

A trader,who pleaded anonymity, while speaking with the Tribune Online said that the market has also become a home for illicit drugs.

The Lagos CP said “There can be no resistance .We will arrest criminals and the market and any other parts of Lagos .We just arrested some nationals of Niger Republic, who broke into shops on the island .”

“What what kind of foreigners are they? There are some who are in line with ECOWAS policy and when they comply with the laws of the land, there won’t be any trouble but criminals at the market have no hiding place .”