Lagos Security Sweep Nets 279 Suspected Criminals in Statewide Crackdown

The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has arrested 279 suspected criminals during a coordinated statewide operation aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, blackspots, and illegal shanties across Lagos State.

The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led raid conducted from the late hours of Sunday into Monday as part of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security and maintain public order. The operation targeted locations identified through information gathered by community informants and LNSA operatives across different parts of the state.

Speaking while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the General Manager of the LNSA, Prince Ifalade Oyekan, disclosed that those arrested comprised 274 males and five females from various parts of the country. According to him, the suspects were linked to offences ranging from theft and public nuisance to other criminal activities.

Oyekan revealed that two of the suspects were arrested while allegedly attempting to steal a submersible pumping machine from a residential apartment. He added that several others were found in possession of dangerous items, including machetes, knives, suspected illicit drugs, and other prohibited materials recovered during the operation.

The agency also noted that many of those arrested could not provide valid means of identification or verifiable residential addresses during preliminary interrogation. Some individuals detained for public nuisance were reportedly among those who entered Lagos in trucks and vehicles transporting livestock and goods into the state.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to public safety, Oyekan said the operation aligns with the security mandate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to keep Lagos secure despite its growing population. He stressed that similar operations would continue in collaboration with other security agencies, warning criminals that Lagos would remain hostile to unlawful activities while ensuring the safety of law-abiding residents.