By Crime Correspondent
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Olamide Suleiman, during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Aguda area of Lagos, recovering firearms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The arrest was made along Adetola Road, Aguda, where police operatives intercepted the suspect during a patrol.
According to the Police, a search conducted on Suleiman led to the recovery of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. Further examination of his bag allegedly uncovered a locally made pistol loaded with one live cartridge.
The Command said the suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed that the recovered firearm belonged to one Emir, who was lodging at a hotel in the Aguda area.
Acting on the information, police operatives immediately raided the hotel and conducted a search of the room allegedly occupied by the suspect.
The operation led to the recovery of a double-barrel gun. However, the principal suspect, identified simply as Emir, reportedly escaped before the arrival of the police.
The Lagos State Police Command said investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the suspected criminal gang.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.
He reiterated the Command's commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal suspects.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency response lines.