The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olorundare Jimoh, has disclosed remarkable achievements in crime prevention, control, and management across the state, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring criminals have no safe haven in Lagos.
Speaking during a high-profile press briefing at the Command Headquarters, CP Jimoh highlighted the recovery of 32 exotic stolen vehicles, many of which were snatched from various states and recovered in Lagos en route to international borders for illegal export.
He noted that the vehicles—some worth hundreds of millions of naira—were recovered from fraudsters, advance fee fraud syndicates, rogue drivers, and criminal gangs.
In addition to the 32 vehicles on display, he confirmed that over 70 more vehicles, currently under investigation, remain in police custody. The Command is calling on members of the public whose vehicles were stolen at gunpoint or taken by their drivers to visit the headquarters for verification and possible recovery.
The Command also recorded substantial success in its ongoing anti-cultism operations. CP Jimoh announced the arrest of over 23 suspected cultists in recent days, many of whom were found in possession of dangerous weapons.
Displaying various recovered arms and ammunition—including fabricated and toy weapons resembling Beretta and Browning pistols—he emphasised that the use of such items to instil fear or rob citizens constitutes a serious criminal offence punishable by law.
Notably, the Commissioner referenced the arrest of a notorious cultist, Wasiu Akiwande alias Olu Elesho, who confessed to having five AK-47 rifles and is currently awaiting trial. Over 10 families have linked him to the deaths of their loved ones, according to police investigations.
To strengthen its crackdown on cultism and street gangs, CP Jimoh revealed the establishment of anti-cultism squads across all the area commands in Lagos State, which have already made significant arrests and will continue to prosecute suspects for crimes including murder, assault, and unlawful association.
The press briefing also touched on the formation of an Eko Strike Force—a specialised unit created to swiftly respond to flashpoints of insecurity.
CP Jimoh credited the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for providing logistical support and equipping the team. The unit has grown from five to nine teams and is actively complementing the efforts of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, CP Jimoh acknowledged the provision of state-of-the-art crime-fighting equipment and technology that have enhanced policing efficiency in the state. He also commended members of the public whose timely intelligence reports have contributed significantly to ongoing successes.
“As I speak to you, Lagos remains safe and secure. We have drastically reduced violent crimes, and no incident of armed robbery has been recorded under my watch. We are fully prepared to respond to threats and ensure that criminals either flee the state or face the full weight of the law,” CP Jimoh declared.
He concluded by urging all Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear, reiterating the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout the state.
