Lagos State Police recovers 15 weapons, 18 vehicles from robbers

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had recovered 15 different weapons and 18 vehicles from 33 armed robbery cases between November 18 and December 18.

Briefing newsmen in Ikeja, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, said that the suspects who masterminded the abduction of a medical doctor from St. Francis Hospital, Onikan, Lagos, had been arrested.

The CP said that the suspects were traced to a forest in Delta where they held the doctor captive.

Owoseni said that members of another gang that attacked one Toyosi Akerele on her way from the airport and attempted to kidnap her were also arrested while trying to escape.

He said, “Two kidnappers were arrested within the white sand area at Festac, at the white sand forest, where suspects are using as hideout.

“The boy who stabbed his father and attempted to kill his mother was also apprehended where he hid with the support of the public.

“He will be arraigned in court this week while his mother is in the hospital recuperating.

“Five armed robbery cases were also recorded and four suspects arrested while operating along the Oshodi-Badagary expressway.

“The sum of N1.5m, a Berretta pistol and a Lexus 350 vehicle were recovered from them.”

A driver who lured his boss into the hands of kidnappers at Akoka, Yaba, was also presented to newsmen at the state police command.

According to the CP, the suspects were traced to Edo where the driver had changed the vehicle licence to his name.

Owoseni said that the command had uncovered some places including waterways, creeks and forests where criminals hibernated and use escape routes after performing their heinous crimes.

He said that the command had been facing various security challenges but would continue to restrategise and increase its visibility.

He said, “The command is bracing well for the challenges knowing fully well that people are coming into Lagos for the Christmas celebration.

“We assure members of the public that the police with other security agencies will strengthen surveillance and patrols to curtail criminal activities.”

The commissioner further urged the public to report strange or criminal activities within their environment to the nearest police station as reports on social media will not help the police.

[NAN]