On October 4, at about 10pm, operatives of the Lagos state Police command's anti-kidnapping unit conducted an operation at Ijora-Badia, Lagos, following actionable intelligence on a suspected robbery gang. The gang was traced to their hideout along Gasikia road, where a gun battle ensued, resulting in the fatal wounding of two suspects. Another suspect escaped, while a 26-year-old member of the gang, Patrick Asusse, was arrested.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed the details of the operation during a briefing at the command headquarters, Ikeja, on Wednesday, October 8. According to him, preliminary investigation indicated that the gang was allegedly preparing to embark on another robbery operation before the police intervention. The suspects were reportedly specialized in breaking into houses and stealing valuables, including mobile phones.
During the briefing, Asusse allegedly confessed to having recently joined the gang, claiming that some of its members invited him to accompany them for an operation. He stated that the gang members came to his residence and persuaded him to follow them, using a regular Uber vehicle. Asusse claimed that he had previously rejected invitations to participate in robbery operations but eventually followed the gang members.
Asusse further claimed that he did not know police operatives were inside the vehicle when he was taken along, and that he did not carry any gun during the operation. He acknowledged that two guns were allegedly available to members of the gang. The suspect, who said he has a child and no regular source of income, appealed for forgiveness and promised to abandon criminal activities.
The police recovered two Beretta pistols and four rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspects. CP Fatai reiterated the command's commitment to intelligence-led operations and proactive policing aimed at preventing violent crimes and protecting lives and property across Lagos. The police said investigation was ongoing to establish Asusse's level of involvement and apprehend the fleeing member of the gang.
According to CP Fatai, the operation was a significant blow to the gang, which had been operating in the area. The police command urged residents to continue providing intelligence that could lead to the arrest of more suspects. The Lagos state Police command has been intensifying efforts to combat crime in the state, with a focus on robbery and kidnapping.
The suspect, Asusse, pleaded for forgiveness, stating that he wants to change and promised to abandon criminal activities. He claimed that members of the gang sometimes gave him small amounts of money. The police are working to recover more weapons and apprehend the fleeing suspect. The operation is part of the Lagos state Police command's efforts to enhance security and prevent violent crimes.
Key points
- The Lagos state police operatives killed two suspected armed robbers and arrested a 26-year-old accomplice during a gun duel at Ijora-Badia on October 4.
- The suspects were reportedly specialized in breaking into houses and stealing valuables, including mobile phones.
- The police recovered two Beretta pistols and four rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspects.
