The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Commander, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), is Mr. Olatunji Disu. He and his men have fought and won several battles against criminals in Lagos State. In this interview with IDOWU OLUWAFUNKE, OLOGE ESE and WAKILU RIDWAN, Disu talks about a youth gang known as Awawa Boys, that disturbed the city for long, but finally curtailed.
Who are these ‘Awawa Boys’?
In Lagos State, we have a lot of gangs with different names. They perpetuate different kind of crimes and it appears to give them sadistic pleasures. We can liken the case of the Awawa Boys to a cult group. This is simply because they have the features of cultists. They have initials, names that identify the group; they unleash terror on society and do many more other atrocities. There’s a group called ‘One Million Boys.’ They are the same as Awawa Boys. They have same signs and similarities.
How do they operate?
The Awawa Boys operate in group. They carry out attacks on people in group. Once they attack, they collect valuables from the victim or victims. Items like phones, cars and jewelry. They operate in different locations; You can find them at Agege, Badagry, Ajegunle and many other locations.
Are there female genders in this gang?
It should not surprise you to know that they are females in this group; they are identified with the marks on their faces.
How was ‘Awawa Boys’ gang curtailed in Lagos?
Police were able to bring them down by engaging in surveillance, asking questions, and partnering with members of communities in order to get to the root of the matter and under their operations.
We were able to gather useful information. We found out their modus operandi-how they operate-, with this we were able to get information on their meetings. They used to meet at shrine and after the meeting; they would head out, moving through the Agege axis, especially in the early hours of the morning, just to attack unsuspecting Nigerians. We were lucky enough to get some of them, and among them were the leaders of the group.
How many of them were arrested and charged to court?
We made an arrest of over 15 boys. Police Task Force, Alausa, also collaborated with us, including police divisions. The suspects were all charged to court and convicted.
What can you remember as the most challenging thing about the Awawa Boys gang?
The most interesting thing about this group is the fact that boys and girls come in agreement to make crime happen in communities. They unleash terror on the community and they do this with impunity again and again.
I was surprised about this recurrence. I was surprised that these young Nigerians have parents. These youths committing crime in their communities again and again, show parental negligence and bad parenting. A lot of youths are going into crime, and they are contributing to the insecurity we have around us. Most of these youths are from broken homes. Their parents have ignored their responsibilities to these children.
A lot of parents have failed their children; that is why we have a lot of youths going into crime. Youngsters on the streets are contributing to insecurity.
Among the Awawa Boys arrested, which particular youth do you remember most and why?
I can’t really remember anyone that interested me among those we arrested. We made these arrests almost two years ago.
But I remember they had tattoos all over their bodies. They had marks on their faces, and they were light in complexion; this was through the help of a strong skin bleaching cream.
What were the effects of the Awawa Boys on the society?
The effect of the Awawa Boys on society was clear breeding of insecurity in the community. They terrorised innocent individuals, which sometimes leads to loss of lives. Most times, these victims sustain injuries and some of their goods and valuables are taken. These youths end up corrupting other youths and compelling them to join their dreadful and deadly group. They create fear among the people in the communities. People find it difficult to sleep with their two eyes shut.
People become security conscious because they didn’t and don’t know what might happen next. They couldn’t go out late at night or leave for their offices early in the morning. They live in fear and are always apprehensive. The activities of these youths caused socio-economic decline communities.
What advice do you have for parents and society, so that crime can be reduced?
I am a Muslim, but I remember the Holy Bible says, “teach your children so they will give you peace.” Parents should know the number of children they can cater for, and have such a number. Parents should not just be having children, like they are having rats. Parents should enroll their children into schools, so that they would be able to receive formal education. Parents should spend quality time with their children; they should get to know the kind of friends their children keep. They should study, watch and monitor their children’s movements.
In the communities you live, you should get to know your neighbours. Be familiar with your neighbours. When you know your neighbours, you’ll know the people who belong in your neighbourhood. If someone’s child is causing destruction to property, you can call their parents if you know them. Also try to learn the normal happenings in your neighbourhood to help you to know when something is wrong.
Is there anyway schools can help in checking youths’ involvements in crime?
I’m sure there are a lot of things schools can do to stop youths from taking to crime and from committing crimes.
We attend schools to get informed and receive formal learning. These schools are trying their best possible, but at the same time; most of the teachers and management staff are afraid for their lives and thus, make little efforts in impacting the lives of their students.
I would like to advice schools to step up their games and have an orientation programme, where they can speaks to their students about crimes. They should try to study trends of criminals and take time to identify those among their students that are gangsters.
Once the school knows these students, they should immediately report them to their parents! If security situation in the school or gangster activities get out of hands, the school should draw the attention of the local police. The police should be called upon to assist them. Most importantly, the school should continue to endeavour to bring in important and successful members of the community to have a talk with their students. They should organise workshops for the students. The learning and activities should be continuous.
What can religious bodies do to help reduce youth crime?
The churches and mosques should also up theirs game; we know that the Holy Bible and Holy Quran speak against crime. So in churches and mosques, there should be more emphasis on youths and crimes.
When youths keep listening to these topics all the time, it would be difficult for them to think about going into crime so easily.
What advice do you have for the youth?
They should always keep in mind that they are the future of tomorrow. They should know that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. If they are enrolled into schools, they should ensure to stay calm and be diligent in their studies.
First Published 2019
