One Arrested, Suspected Gunrunner Escapes as Lagos Police Recover Arms in Aguda
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Olamide Suleiman, after recovering firearms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Aguda area of Lagos.
The command also confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect who allegedly fled before police could arrest him during a follow-up operation linked to the recovered weapons.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, Suleiman was intercepted by officers along Adetola Road, Aguda, during a routine security operation. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police said a further search of the suspect’s bag uncovered a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the firearm allegedly belonged to a man identified simply as Emir, who was reportedly staying at a hotel in the Aguda area. During interrogation, Suleiman allegedly confessed that the pistol belonged to the suspect.
Acting on the information, police operatives raided the hotel and searched the room allegedly occupied by Emir, where they recovered a double-barrel gun.
However, the principal suspect reportedly escaped before officers arrived at the hotel. The police said investigations are continuing, while efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect and identify other individuals connected to the case.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, reiterating the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety across Lagos State.
He also urged residents to support law enforcement by providing prompt and credible information that could aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal suspects.
The command encouraged members of the public to report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through its designated emergency lines for swift response.
