Police arrest five armed robbery suspects, recover three AK-47 rifles in Lagos, Anambra

Four suspects, Akeem Alabi, Adewale Sogbesan, Emmanuel Izeagbe, and Francis Okoko have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command for alleged armed robbery.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said the suspects were arrested on December 10 and confessed to being members of a robbery syndicate operating around the Costain axis in the state.

Adejobi said the arrests were in furtherance of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s assurance to Nigerians of the emplacement of intensive security measures to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property during the Yuletide festivities.

He said the IGP has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, key areas and identified hotspots across all states, an initiative aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased-mobility, public gatherings and celebrations.

Adejobi said the IGP’s directive includes the mobilisation of police officers to highways, major roads, urban centres, and recreational centres nationwide.

“Officers will be strategically positioned to deter crimes via increased police presence and visibility on major highways and roads prone to criminal activities, particularly highway robberies, which tend to spike during festive seasons,” the FPRO said.

He said the police has already made significant headway in combating these crimes with the arrest of the armed robbery suspects in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Adejobi said that on December 6, police operatives of the Anambra State Command trailed and arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Miracle Mwakaloi at Awka, the state capital.

“Upon his arrest and subsequent interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to his apartment, where during a search, 3 Ak-47 rifles were recovered.”

The FPRO said the Nigeria Police Force remains firm in its commitment to providing a safe environment during and beyond the Yuletide season.

“With ongoing proactive measures, including enhanced patrols, community engagement, and a specific focus on public safety, the Force is dedicated to ensuring that the festive season is celebrated without the shadow of crimes.

“While urging citizens to cooperate with heightened police presence which promises to be professional and law-abiding, the IGP further encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the Police and other law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Daily Sun