The Lagos State Police Command has intercepted a truck conveying military camouflage uniforms and suspected illicit drugs, leading to the arrest of four suspects in what authorities described as a major security breakthrough.
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on recent operations carried out across the state.
According to the police chief, operatives of the State Tactical Squad acted on intelligence reports and intercepted the truck along the Lekki-Epe corridor on Saturday night as it attempted to transport the items out of Lagos.
He explained that the vehicle was loaded with several bags containing military camouflage uniforms as well as cartons of suspected hard drugs.
Fatai said the operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects, while efforts have been intensified to track down other individuals believed to be connected to the shipment.
Preliminary investigations, he revealed, indicate that the consignment was destined for a location in Nigeria’s South-East region, although security agencies are yet to determine its exact destination and intended purpose.
“We received credible information and immediately mobilised our operatives. The truck carrying the items was intercepted, and those conveying them were arrested,” the commissioner stated.
The police boss expressed concern over the increasing misuse of military uniforms by criminal elements across the country, noting that investigations would help establish whether the seized camouflage was intended for unlawful activities.
He, however, clarified that there was no immediate indication that the items were meant for use within Lagos State.
The seizure comes shortly after the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted another vehicle carrying military camouflage uniforms and suspected narcotics along the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, heightening concerns among security agencies over the illegal movement of military apparel.
In a separate operation, the police command arrested 36 foreign nationals during a raid on Lagos Island.
Fatai said those apprehended included citizens of Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Mali, Togo, Cameroon and Guinea.
According to him, many of the suspects failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their activities in Nigeria, claiming only that they were involved in “networking.”
He disclosed that the individuals are currently being profiled by the State Criminal Investigation Department before being transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.
The commissioner stressed that the group was unrelated to foreign nationals recently discussed on social media, explaining that their arrest followed independent intelligence gathering by security operatives.
Also, acting on information supplied by residents of an estate in the Ijanikin area, police operatives arrested several suspects and recovered two double-barrel guns and six locally fabricated firearms.
Fatai said investigations are ongoing and that valuable information has already been obtained from the suspects.
The command also announced a breakthrough in its fight against “one-chance” robbery syndicates operating within the state.
The commissioner disclosed that detectives had uncovered the activities of a suspected financier who allegedly provided vehicles and logistical support for members of the criminal gang.
Although the alleged kingpin remains at large, Fatai expressed confidence that investigators would soon apprehend him based on intelligence gathered from arrested suspects.
“We are making significant progress and are closing in on the individual believed to be funding the syndicate,” he said.
The police commissioner further addressed concerns surrounding a recent explosion in the Mushin area of Lagos, noting that experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were still examining materials recovered from the scene.
He assured residents that a comprehensive report would be released once investigations are concluded.
Fatai also confirmed an ongoing investigation into a case involving the Managing Director of First Bank, who reportedly received a parcel containing two live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
He explained that the parcel was delivered to the official’s residence and collected by a security guard before its contents were discovered.
While no arrest has been made in connection with the incident, the commissioner said investigators are pursuing leads provided by the complainant.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and ensuring the safety and security of residents across Lagos State.
