Police Storm Hideouts, Arrest 42 Suspected Criminals

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Relative peace has returned to the Ago-Okota area of Lagos following the arrest of 42 suspected criminals in their various hideouts. The police raided the entire area and fished out the suspects.

The raid was ordered by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohinmi Edgal over reports of insecurity in the area by residents.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the successful exercise was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, ACP Abiodun Alamotu in conjunction with various divisions within the Area D Command.

It was gathered that the residents had raised alarm and complained that they were no longer safe, thus the operation was carried out and it paid off.

The apprehended hoodlums comprised many of suspected cult groups, motorcycle robbers, house breakers, drug dealers  among others. They were taken to the Task Force office at Oshodi where they were kept in the cell for further investigation.

According to the residents, the hoodlums were terrorising the area and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Ago Division, CSP Yusuf Ayape  provided intelligence for the operation that lasted for several hours.

Some of the residents said that after the operation, that peace has returned to the area as they can now sleep with their two eyes closed unlike in the past when robbers went from one house to the other to vandalise vehicles and rob the residents of their valuables.

A resident told our correspondent that the robbers were disturbing the area despite the measures the DPO had taken. It persisted before the raid was carried out and peace returned to the area.

P.M.EXPRESS visited the area and other residents confirmed the return of relative peace to the area. They commended the DPO and the entire police for listening to their cries and responding promptly.They urged the police to sustain the efforts to curtail any form of criminality in the area.

Meanwhile, the suspects were still detained at the Task Force office where they were undergoing interrogations and were said to be giving the police useful information. Police source said that those culpable will be charged to court while the innocent ones who were victims of circumstance will be released.

The police boss had earlier assured Lagosians that he will ensure that their lives and properties were protected in every nook and corner of the state. He appealed to residents to provide useful information that will assist the police to perform their duties effectively and minimize the activities of criminals in Lagos.