Police Arrest 147 Suspects in Lagos Crime Hideout Raid

(147 Suspects. Photo Credit: NATIONAL ACCORD)

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 147 suspects during a coordinated crackdown on criminal hideouts under its ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III, as security operatives intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

According to her, the operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, followed credible intelligence that led a joint team of officers from various formations of the command to raid identified black spots, including Boolar and Super Ile-Epo.

She said the exercise was aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and arresting hoodlums allegedly responsible for terrorising residents of the affected communities.

She listed the items recovered during the raid to include 250 expended cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, a lighter, a pair of scissors, assorted charms, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The spokesperson said all 147 suspects are currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing to determine their level of involvement in criminal activities, adding that anyone found culpable would be charged to court.

Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, praised their commitment to the operation and reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to the continued implementation of Operation KO S’AYE, stressing that it would be sustained across the state to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

The police commissioner urged Lagos residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals and the discovery of illegal hideouts across the state, encouraging members of the public to report emergencies or share credible intelligence through the command’s designated emergency lines.

The Lagos State Police Command maintained that the sustained enforcement operation forms part of ongoing measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.