Officers of the Lagos Zone 2 Command have arrested seven suspected criminals linked to several offences across the state in a targeted operation by the ‘Zonal Puff Adder’ team.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan, at the headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

Mr Afolayan said the suspects were arrested over alleged murder, armed robbery, stealing, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms.

He stated that the operation began on March 3, when operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested a 23-year-old suspect, ‘Karube.’

“Karube subsequently led operatives to other members of the gang during follow-up operations,” he said.

According to him, information from the suspect led to a raid on a criminal hideout, ‘Lion’s Den,’ on Adeleye Street, Orile Iganmu.

He said five suspects were arrested at the location, while another, Bansa, was later apprehended at White Sand area after further investigation.

Mr Afolayan noted that several weapons were recovered from the suspects, including a locally made cut-to-size shotgun, four cutlasses, a knife, a claw hammer and live cartridges.

“Other items recovered include three expended cartridges and assorted charms,” he added.

He alleged that during interrogation, Bansa confessed to killing a tricycle rider, Ikujowolo, at Shitta under bridge, Surulere.

 “He told investigators he shot the victim dead during an attack carried out with another suspect identified as ‘Small Messi’,” Mr Afolayan said.

The police spokesperson said the suspects also confessed to killing a 40-year-old man identified only as Okoro on February 14.

“They are also linked to two other killings that occurred on February 18 in the Orile Iganmu area,” he said.

Mr Afolayan said the suspects remained in custody and were assisting investigators with cases of multiple murder, armed robbery, cultism and firearms offences.

“They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

He added that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives.

Mr Jimoh praised their professionalism, bravery and commitment, and reaffirmed the command’s resolve to rid Lagos and Ogun states of criminals.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and support the police with credible and timely information. 

(NAN)