The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, has announced the recovery of 36 stolen vehicles and the arrest of over 50 suspected cultists in a sweeping crackdown on crime across the state.
During a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Wednesday, CP Jimoh informed that the vehicles—many worth hundreds of millions of naira—were recovered from syndicates involved in advance fee fraud, armed robbery, and inter-state car theft, with several vehicles intercepted en route to the country’s borders.
“These 36 vehicles are just what we can show now due to space limitations. Over 70 more are still under investigation,” the Commissioner stated.
Stolen Vehicles: Suspects’ modus operandi
He urged victims of car theft in Lagos and surrounding states to visit the Police Command for identification and possible recovery.
“Some of these cars were taken by trusted drivers who vanished with them. Others were seized at gunpoint. This command is determined to track every one of them down,” CP Jimoh said.
In addition to the vehicle recoveries, the Commissioner of Police revealed that 82 firearms have been seized, including AK-47 rifles and toy guns used to intimidate victims.
Gives update on arrest of Olori Eso
He presented confiscated weapons from recently arrested cultists, including a suspect named Wasiu Akinwande, alias Olori Eso, linked to multiple murders and a cache of illegal arms.
Giving an update on the suspect, “He has confessed to owning five AK-47 rifles. Families of more than ten victims have come forward. We will ensure justice is served,” the CP affirmed.
The Police boss emphasised that anti-cultism squads have now been activated across all 14 area commands in Lagos, with support from the Eko Strike Force, a special unit set up to quell violent crime.
The CP credited the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for logistical support that has reduced police response times to as low as five minutes.
He thanked Lagosians for their “credible and timely intelligence,” which he says has made the city “safer than ever.”
“There’s been no record of armed robbery in Lagos since I assumed duty. We’re sending a clear message: if you’re a criminal, leave Lagos or face the full wrath of the law,” CP Jimoh warned.
Residents urged to reclaim stolen vehicles
Residents and vehicle owners are encouraged to contact the Lagos Police Command to identify and reclaim their stolen vehicles.
