130 suspected hoodlums arrested in Lagos raid

The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, LNSA, has arrested at least 130 suspected hoodlums during an early morning security operation across Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah and sections of the Coastal Road.

The operation commenced at about 2am on Friday following reports of criminal activities allegedly targeting motorists, particularly during periods of traffic congestion.

The General Manager of LNSA, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, who led the operation, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Oyekan said the suspects were subjected to screening and subsequently presented to officials of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency attached to the LNSA for identification and profiling.

He explained that the exercise was intended to establish the identities of the suspects and determine those who might have been involved in criminal activities, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted.

According to him, the operation demonstrated the agency’s resolve to safeguard lives and property while ensuring that motorists and other residents could travel across the affected areas without fear.

Oyekan said the raid was part of LNSA’s wider community-policing approach, which involves collaboration with residents and other security agencies to detect and respond to emerging security threats.

He explained that the strategy was designed to strengthen intelligence gathering and ensure that security concerns within communities were addressed promptly.

The LNSA boss added that the initiative was consistent with the Lagos State Government’s efforts to improve grassroots security and support the establishment of a state police structure.

He said the proposed structure would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response time and enhance policing at the community level.

“I commend the supporting agencies for their professionalism and coordination during the operation,” Oyekan said.

He also expressed appreciation to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Gbenga Oyerinde, for their continued support for security operations across the state.

“We will continue similar joint operations at strategic locations across Lagos to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety,” Oyekan said.

The operation was conducted with the support of officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

The exercise was facilitated by the Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Kunle Fagbemi.