The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency has arrested 279 suspected criminals during a statewide operation targeting blackspots, criminal hideouts and shanties across the state.
The General Manager of the agency, Prince Ifalade Oyekan, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, according to a statement on the agency’s Facebook page.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the operation was carried out from the late hours of Sunday through Monday as part of the Lagos State Government’s sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain law and order.
According to Oyekan, the exercise was intelligence-driven, leveraging the agency’s network of community informants and operatives to identify black spots and criminal hideouts in various parts of the state.
He disclosed that the 279 suspects comprised 274 males and five females from different parts of the country who were arrested for offences ranging from theft and public nuisance to other criminal activities.
The LNSA boss added that many of the suspects had no means of identification and could not provide verifiable residential addresses.
Oyekan further revealed that some of those arrested for allegedly constituting public nuisance were individuals who entered Lagos aboard lorries and vehicles commonly used for transporting livestock and goods.
He, however, stressed that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to reside and move freely in any part of the country, Lagos State would not tolerate criminality or activities capable of undermining the peace and security enjoyed by residents.
Speaking on the operation, Oyekan said, “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.”
The General Manager also disclosed that two suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to steal a submersible pumping machine from a residential apartment.
He added that several others were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including machetes and knives, as well as suspected illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to public safety, Oyekan said the operation would be sustained and expanded in collaboration with relevant security and law enforcement agencies across the state.
He warned criminals and individuals with unlawful intentions to stay away from Lagos State or face the full weight of the law.
The suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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