Lagos Arrests 46 Suspected Criminals, Recovers Drugs, Dane Gun, Cutlass in Island Cleanup Operation
By Ayooluwa Ayobami
Forty six suspected criminals have been arrested and a locally fabricated Dane gun, cutlass and substances suspected to be illicit drugs recovered during a coordinated enforcement operation across Lagos Island, Victoria Island and the Lekki corridor.
The operation, carried out on Thursday by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, was part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities and restore order in identified flashpoints across the state.
The agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the exercise commenced at about 9 a.m. and covered Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, Maroko, Sandfill by Mobil Bus Stop and Marwa Bus Stop.
According to him, the operation targeted street urchins, miscreants, suspected drug addicts and other criminal elements allegedly operating in public spaces.
The enforcement team also arrested individuals allegedly involved in illegal activities, including drug peddling, illegal commercial motorcycle operations, street trading and ticket touting.
Gbadeyan said substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Colorado and cannabis were recovered during the operation, alongside a cutlass and a locally fabricated Dane gun.
He added that enforcement officers restored normalcy in the areas visited after clearing the locations of suspected criminal elements.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across the state to improve public safety and maintain orderliness.
According to Gbadeyan, Akerele warned that criminal elements would not be allowed to operate freely in Lagos, stressing that enforcement operations would continue across the state.
The 46 suspects are expected to face prosecution in line with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
The operation is part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to reclaim public spaces, tackle criminal activities and strengthen security across major commercial and residential corridors.
