The Lagos State Police Command recently conducted a successful raid on a blacksmith’s workshop engaged in the illicit production of firearms destined for the criminal underworld.
This revelation came to light during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, as the Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed the public.
Hundeyin stated, “On September 11, 2023, around 4 pm, based on actionable intelligence regarding a blacksmith involved in the manufacturing of firearms for illegal distribution to criminals in the vicinity of Idata Village, Ibeju-Lekki, our law enforcement operatives executed a raid operation on the premises, apprehending two individuals, Musiliu Gbenga, 21, and Owolabi Azeez, 22.”
The raid yielded a substantial haul, including;
“three single-barrel locally-made pistols, one double-barrel locally-made gun, one single-barrel locally-made gun, two single-barrel locally-made long guns, 10 expended cartridges, 12 long pipes, two drilling machines, one gas cylinder, one vehicle, and various other tools employed in the manufacturing process,” according to Hundeyin.
Furthermore, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, emphasized a call to action:
“I call on all individuals who may be in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition to voluntarily surrender them without the risk of arrest or prosecution.”
This move aligns with the directive issued by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructing all police commands to take proactive measures to confiscate firearms and ammunition from non-state actors within their respective jurisdictions.
The briefing also included the disclosure that additional suspects had been apprehended for various criminal activities, including robbery, cultism, and impersonation of armed forces personnel.
In total, a notable 32 individuals were taken into custody during these operations.
| Punch Newspaper
