The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has arrested 279 suspected criminals, hoodlums, and miscreants during a coordinated statewide raid on identified blackspots, criminal hideouts, and shanties across Lagos.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the Agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the General Manager of the LNSA, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, declared that criminals and individuals with unlawful intentions would find no refuge in Lagos State.
According to Oyekan, the operation was conducted from late Sunday through Monday as part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety. He explained that the exercise was intelligence-led, relying on information gathered through the Agency’s network of community informants and operatives to identify criminal hotspots across the state.
The LNSA boss disclosed that 279 suspects were arrested during the operation, comprising 274 males and five females from different parts of the country. The suspects were allegedly involved in offences ranging from theft and public nuisance to other criminal activities. He added that many of those apprehended had no means of identification and were unable to provide verifiable residential addresses.
Oyekan further revealed that some of the suspects arrested for constituting public nuisance allegedly entered Lagos aboard lorries and vehicles commonly used to transport livestock and goods into the state. He stressed that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside and move freely across the country, Lagos would not tolerate criminal activities capable of threatening the peace and security of residents.
“The exercise is in line with the mandate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to ensure that Lagos retains its position as the safest and most secure state in Nigeria despite its large and growing population. Through our intelligence network and collaboration with sister security agencies, we will continue to ensure that law-abiding residents feel the presence of government while criminals find no hiding place in Lagos,” Oyekan said.
He also disclosed that two suspects were arrested while allegedly attempting to steal a submersible pumping machine from a residential apartment. Several others were reportedly found in possession of dangerous weapons, including machetes and knives, as well as suspected illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to public safety, Oyekan stated that the operation would be sustained and expanded in collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies across the state.
All suspects arrested during the operation have been transferred to the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for further investigation and possible prosecution.