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 when 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 learnt 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, burglars, 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 have been terrorising the area until 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, peace immediately returned to the area as they can now sleep with both 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 despite the measures put in place by the DPO, the robbers still continud with their nefarious activities and it persisted until the raid and peace has returned to the area.

When P.M.EXPRESS correspondent visited the area, the residents confirmed the return of relative peace to the area and 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, police source said that those culpable among the arrested suspected hoodlums will be charged to court while those proven to be innocent will be released.

CP Edgal 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.