Police have arrested five suspected armed robbers and rescued 13 kidnapped victims in a coordinated operation.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued Sunday said the operatives encountered resistance from the kidnappers but successfully overpowered the kidnappers, causing them to flee the scene with various degrees of injuries and leading to the successful rescue of the 13 kidnapped victims.
He said: “Over the past week, coordinated operations were conducted in various states, including Lagos and Kwara States, leading to the rescue of 13 individuals who had earlier been kidnapped and held for ransom, and the arrest of several armed robbery suspects.
“On the 27th of December 2024, Police operatives attached to the Kwara State Command mobilized and stormed a den of kidnappers in the Idofin-Igbana area of the state, after receiving a distress call of the abduction of 13 persons.
“Similarly, on the 28th of December 2024, following a report of a public disturbance at Pinnacle Depot, Lekki, Police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command visited the scene and accosted two individuals identified as Lawan Mustapha, 38 years, and Aina Daniel 38 years.”
Adejobi noted that thorough search was carried out, resulting in the recovery of one double-barrel rifle, 90 live cartridges, and five model rifles.
He added that the suspects are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“Furthermore, on the same day, at about 12:45 pm, Police operatives of the Lagos State Command arrested 3 suspected armed robbers at GRA Ikeja,” Adejobi said
He stressed that a subsequent search led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, four live cartridges, and two cutlasses.
The police spokesperson stressed that the suspects are in custody and would face prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigations.