Residents of Mushin Local Government Area can now heave a sigh of relief as a joint security operation by the Nigeria Police and Armed Forces led to the arrest of 114 suspected hoodlums who have been terrorizing the community in recent months.
The crackdown followed intensified efforts by the Executive Chairman of Mushin LGA, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye, to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in the area.
The operation, coordinated by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, alongside Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Fatai Tijani, and Area D Commander, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi, resulted in the arrest of 52 young men aged between 16 and 20. The suspects were allegedly involved in various crimes including murder, armed robbery, rape, and wanton destruction of property.
The raid, which commenced in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, and lasted through the afternoon, was carried out with the support of the Lagos State Task Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Tactical Team, and Mobile Police Force, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
In a separate operation, personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, apprehended another 62 suspects. These individuals, aged 16–26, were believed to be collaborators and sponsors of violent gangs operating within Mushin and its environs. They have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrests were also supported by the OP MESA squad, based on intelligence reports linking the suspects to ongoing criminal activities that have plagued the area in recent weeks.
Hon. Bamigboye, who was present during the operation, was accompanied by Hon. Tunbosun Aruwe (Vice Chairman and APC Chairmanship Candidate) and Hon. Semiu Karaole (Supervisor for Education and APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate) ahead of the July 12 local government elections.
The Area D Commander, ACP Awoniyi, vowed that the clampdown will continue until all perpetrators of violence, including those involved in recent killings, robberies, and sexual assaults, are brought to justice. He assured residents that further arrests would follow as investigations continue.
The security team also paid a condolence visit to the family of a 10-year-old boy who was tragically killed during an attack by the hoodlums last week.