The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has arrested 279 suspected criminals, hoodlums, and miscreants during a massive statewide operation targeting identified blackspots, criminal hideouts, and shanties across Lagos.
The operation, which was carried out from late Sunday into Monday, forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety across the metropolis.
Speaking while parading the suspects at the Agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi, the General Manager of the LNSA, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, warned criminals and individuals with unlawful intentions to stay away from Lagos or face the full weight of the law.
According to Oyekan, the raid was intelligence-driven and relied on information gathered through the Agency’s network of community informants and operatives, who identified criminal hideouts and other locations linked to illegal activities across the state.
He disclosed that 279 suspects, comprising 274 males and five females, were apprehended for various offences, including theft, public nuisance, and other alleged criminal activities. Many of the suspects, he said, were unable to provide valid means of identification or verifiable residential addresses.
The LNSA boss further revealed that some individuals arrested for public nuisance allegedly entered Lagos aboard vehicles commonly used for transporting livestock and goods into the state.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of every Nigerian to reside and move freely within any part of the country, Oyekan stressed that Lagos would not tolerate criminal activities capable of threatening the peace and security of residents.
“The exercise aligns with the mandate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat to ensure Lagos remains the safest and most secure state in Nigeria despite its growing population,” he said.
He added that the Agency would continue to leverage intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure criminals have no hiding place in the state.
Oyekan also disclosed that two suspects were arrested while allegedly attempting to steal a submersible pumping machine from a residential building. Several others were reportedly found in possession of dangerous weapons, including machetes and knives, as well as suspected illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to public safety, the General Manager said similar operations would continue across the state in collaboration with relevant security and law enforcement agencies.
All 279 suspects have since been transferred to the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court for further investigation and possible prosecution.
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