Five armed robbery suspects nabbed in Lagos, Anambra

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of five suspected armed robbers in Lagos and Anambra states during intelligence-based operations.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Thursday.

Adejobi said operatives of the Lagos State Command arrested four suspects terrorising the Costain area of the state on Tuesday.

He noted that the suspects confessed to their crimes after interrogation.

He stated, “On December 10, 2024, police operatives attached to the Lagos State Command arrested four suspected robbers identified as Akeem Alabi, ‘m’; Adewale Sogbesan, ‘m’; Emmanuel Izeagbe, ‘m’; and Francis Okoko, ‘m’.

“The suspects, upon their arrest, confessed to being members of a robbery syndicate operating around the Costain area in the State.”

Adejobi noted that one Miracle Nwakaloi was arrested by police operatives in Anambra after careful trailing.

Nwakaloi was said to have led the operatives to his residence where three AK-47 rifles were recovered.

“Similarly, on December 6, 2024, police operatives of the Anambra State Command trailed and arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Miracle Mwakaloi ‘m’ at Awka.

“Upon his arrest and subsequent interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to his apartment, where during a search, three AK-47 rifles were recovered.”

The Force PRO said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of policemen to black spots and strategic locations to ensure adequate security ahead of the yuletide.

He urged residents not to panic about the heightened police presence in these places but rather cooperate with them to enhance security.

“The IG has directed the immediate deployment of adequate personnel to strategic locations, and key areas and identified hotspots across all states, an initiative aimed at curbing traffic, highway robberies, and other criminal activities during this period of increased mobility, public gatherings and celebrations.

“The IG’s directive includes mobilising police officers to highways, major roads, urban centres, and recreational centres nationwide. Officers will be strategically positioned to deter crimes via increased police presence and visibility on major highways and roads prone to criminal activities, particularly highway robberies, which tend to spike during festive seasons.

“While urging citizens to cooperate with a heightened police presence which promises to be professional and law-abiding, the IGP further encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities to the police and other law enforcement agencies,” Adejobi concluded.