The Lagos State Police Command has highlighted the recovery of a locally made firearm in the Ishashi area as evidence of its continued reliance on stop-and-search operations to combat crime across the state.
In a statement shared on its official X handle on Friday, the command said operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit attached to the Ishashi Division seized a cut-to-size double-barrel firearm and two cartridges during a patrol on Tuesday at around 10:45 p.m.
The police explained that the recovery occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation within the division’s jurisdiction, led by the Divisional Police Officer.
The command stressed that preventive policing remains a key strategy for disrupting criminal activities before they occur and for strengthening public safety.
“Stop-and-search remains a proactive crime-prevention measure. On December 23, 2025, at about 10:45 p.m., operatives of the Anti-Crime Unit of Ishashi Division, led by the DPO, recovered a locally made cut-to-size double-barrel firearm with two cartridges during a patrol and stop-and-search operation within the division’s jurisdiction,” the statement read.
The Lagos police assured residents that patrols and intelligence-led operations would continue across the state to deter criminal activities and maintain security.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force disclosed that intelligence-driven operations across multiple states recently led to the arrest of 22 suspects and the seizure of firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and other items linked to criminal activity.
In a Thursday statement, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin revealed that the operations, conducted by the Force Special Tactical Squad, targeted crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, impersonation, and drug trafficking.
Hundeyin stated that six firearms were recovered, including “one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle, alongside two rounds of live ammunition,” along with 45 other exhibits such as vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs, and other items suspected of being used in crimes.
One notable operation took place along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where police intercepted a J5 vehicle carrying 13 brand-new motorcycles, weapons, and other incriminating materials.
This led to the arrest of 35-year-old Luke Ifeanyi in connection with alleged armed robbery and economic sabotage.
In the Federal Capital Territory, operatives apprehended Kuje Custodial Centre escapee Ayo Abiodun, suspected of committing a violent robbery involving a serving Nigerian Army officer.
Additionally, 40-year-old Yusuf Shehu was arrested with a stolen tricycle while impersonating a police officer. “A police mobile uniform and a police identity card were recovered from him,” Hundeyin said.
Police also intercepted a vehicle carrying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances during routine patrols.
In Edo State, four suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and alleged violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun states, two suspects linked to a car-snatching syndicate were apprehended.
The police confirmed that investigations into these cases are ongoing while efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks nationwide.
