Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi
Abayomi Susan
In a renewed offensive against crime and criminality, the Lagos State Police Command has intensified its proactive security operations under Operation KO S’AYE III, leading to the arrest of 147 suspects and the recovery of a cache of ammunition, dangerous weapons and illicit substances during coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts across the state.
The latest operation underscores the Command’s strategy of taking the fight to criminal elements rather than waiting for them to strike. Through intelligence-driven clearance operations, the Police are dismantling criminal enclaves, disrupting violent networks and denying hoodlums the opportunity to regroup and carry out unlawful activities.
Addressing journalists, including members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, following credible intelligence.
“As part of the ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III, the Lagos State Police Command has continued its intensive clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts across the State, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to denying criminals any safe haven and ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” the statement read.
According to SP Adebisi, at about 5:30 a.m., a joint team of operatives drawn from various formations of the Command simultaneously raided criminal hideouts at Boolar, Super Ile-Epo, and other identified black spots across Lagos.
She explained that the operation was specifically designed to flush out hoodlums and other criminal elements responsible for terrorising residents in the affected communities.
The coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of 147 suspects, while operatives recovered 250 expended cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, one lighter, one pair of scissors, assorted charms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Police spokesperson disclosed that all the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to determine their respective levels of involvement in criminal activities.
“Those found to have committed criminal offences will be prosecuted accordingly,” she stated.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism, courage and dedication to duty, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain Operation KO S’AYE III across Lagos State, noting that proactive intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance and pre-emptive policing remain central to the Command’s crime-fighting strategy.
Quoting the Commissioner, SP Adebisi said:
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to the continued implementation of Operation KO S’AYE III. The operation will be sustained across the State to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents.”
The Commissioner also urged Lagos residents to remain active partners in combating crime by providing credible and timely information capable of assisting security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts and apprehending offenders.
“Members of the public should continue providing timely and credible information that will assist the Police in identifying criminal hideouts, apprehending offenders and enhancing public safety across Lagos State,” the Commissioner said.
With Operation KO S’AYE III gathering momentum, the Lagos State Police Command has reaffirmed its determination to sustain the ongoing crackdown until criminal hideouts are dismantled and the state remains safe and secure for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
