Police arrest 147 suspects, recover 250 cartridges, weapons in Lagos crackdown

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspected criminals and recovered 250 expanded cartridges, 22 machetes, battle axes, knives, suspected Indian hemp and other dangerous items during a renewed crackdown on criminal hideouts across the state.

The arrests were made on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at about 5:30 a.m., when a joint team of police operatives carried out coordinated raids on criminal hideouts at Boolar, Super Ile-Epo and other identified black spots in Lagos as part of the ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, July 20, 2026, saying the operation followed credible intelligence and was aimed at flushing out hoodlums and other criminal elements terrorising the affected areas.

According to the statement, exhibits recovered during the operation include 250 expanded cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, one lighter, one pair of scissors, assorted charms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The police said all the suspects are currently in custody while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual involvement in criminal activities.

“Those found to have committed criminal offences will be prosecuted accordingly,” the statement added.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain the statewide security operation.

He said, “The Command remains unwavering in the continued implementation of Operation KO S’AYE. The operation will be sustained across the State to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents.”

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to support the police with timely and credible information capable of exposing criminal hideouts and leading to the arrest of offenders.

He assured Lagos residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to enhance public safety and maintain law and order across the state.