°Advice those planning October 1 protect to get police clearance
Lagos State Police Command has shot dead two suspected kidnappers and arrested one at their criminal hideout in a deep forest in Imota, Emuren area of the State.
The suspects were allegedly responsible for the kidnap of some residents including that of Lukman Onabanjo (aka Bugon), who was abducted recently and ransom collected.
The State Commissioner of Police who paraded the suspects and showcased the bodies of the dead suspected kidnappers, at Command Headquarters, Ikeja, said:” The successful operation, started at about 11.50 Wednesday night, after days of intelligence monitoring on the gang. In a well-planned, highly coordinated, and carefully executed operation that lasted for some hours, operatives of the command’s tactical teams in collaboration with the Imota Police Division busted the armed gang in its criminal hideout located in the heart of the deep forest.
” The recent kidnapping incidents in the state further invigorated the determination of the command not to allow the criminals turn the state to the theater of kidnapping. On sighting the police operatives, the dare-devil kidnappers engaged them in a shoot-out that lasted for some hours. In a determined and courageous Spirit, the operatives returned the heavy fire. In the ensuing gun battle, two of the suspected armed kidnappers were fatally injured but later gave up the ghost while being conveyed to the hospital for medical attention. One was arrested alive while others escaped with bullet wounds”
According to Odumosu, a serious manhunt and security onslaught have been emplaced for their arrest.
However, he said two AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines with 46 ammunition, a dagger, N10, 000, one itel phone, and one MTN SIM card, were recovered from the suspects.
The CP said the Command has discovered that the hoodlums used waterways to ferry their victims adding that adequate security measures have been put in place on waterways.
According to him, the Force Marine unit has given the police enough manpower to secure the waterways.
Odumosu who said that the command was doing everything possible to rescue other people in captivity, warned criminals, especially kidnappers to write their wills before coming to the state as they will not be privileged to write the wills once they come into Lagos.
Odumosu, however, advises those who want to protest on Friday, October 1, to get police permission:” As of today, I have not got any letter from any person or groups that want to do protest. We are not against people’s rights to protest, but we want people to notify us so that we give them security cover so they won’t be victims. That notwithstanding, we shall be everywhere to protect lives and property.
” To achieve our collective objectives of making the state safe for all, therefore, we have gone back to the drawing board and renewed security architecture galvanized by a collaboration of strategic partners, various peace-loving individuals and groups will enhance a safer and more secure Lagos State.
” Once again, Lagosians are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of security infraction as the Command is up and doing in providing watertight security for all”.
