The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has arrested 130 suspected hoodlums in an early-morning security operation across Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah, and parts of the Coastal Road, following reports of criminal attacks on motorists.
The operation began at about 2 a.m. on Friday and was led by the agency’s General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan. The arrests, according to the LNSA, formed part of efforts to identify people suspected of criminal activity in areas where motorists have faced security concerns, particularly during traffic congestion.
Oyekan disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Friday where he said the suspects were screened and presented to officials of the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) attached to the operation.
He explained that the screening was intended to establish the identities and profiles of those apprehended. Suspects found culpable after the process, he added, would be prosecuted.
The operation covered strategic locations in Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah, and sections of the Coastal Road, which brought several security bodies together in a coordinated exercise.
The LNSA general manager said the immediate concern was to confront reports of criminal activities affecting motorists and to create safer conditions for residents using the affected routes.
He reaffirmed the agency’s responsibility to protect lives and property. He added that residents and motorists should be able to move around Lagos without fear.
The exercise was supported by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force. The operation was facilitated by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Lagos State Governor, Kunle Fagbemi.
Oyekan described the joint effort as part of the agency’s community policing strategy which involves residents and other security agencies in identifying threats within communities and responding to them.
He linked the approach to the Lagos State Government’s efforts to strengthen security at the grassroots and support the proposed establishment of a state police structure.
According to him, such a structure would improve intelligence gathering, accelerate responses to security incidents, and strengthen policing within local communities.
The agency’s intervention comes with the suspects still undergoing screening and profiling. LNSA said culpability would be determined through the appropriate process before prosecution.
Oyekan commended the agencies involved for professionalism and coordination during the raid.
He also acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Gbenga Oyerinde; he said their backing had strengthened security operations across Lagos.
The general manager disclosed that similar joint exercises would be conducted at other strategic locations in the state.
“We will continue similar joint operations at strategic locations across Lagos to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety,” Oyekan said.
The LNSA did not disclose the specific offences allegedly committed by the 130 suspects or state how many of them would eventually face charges. The agency, however, said those found culpable after screening would be prosecuted.
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