The Lagos State Police Command has re-arrested a 25-year-old ex-convict, just five days after his release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, for allegedly committing another robbery in the state.
The suspect, whose name was not disclosed, was arrested alongside two other men accused of pickpocketing in separate incidents across Lagos. Police spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Thursday.
According to Adebisi, the ex-convict was apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the Oshodi Market, following his suspicious movements.
“The suspect, who was recently released from prison, was apprehended following his suspicious behavior at Oshodi Market,” the police spokesperson said. “He was found with N80,000 and an Infinix Note 40 Pro phone, both traced to a burglary he allegedly committed in Opebi.”
Investigations revealed that the suspect had broken into a trader’s shop in Opebi, Ikeja, where he stole N200,000 and a mobile phone while the victim was asleep.
Adebisi said part of the stolen money had already been spent by the suspect on new clothes and shoes, which were recovered during the arrest.
In a related operation, the RRS also arrested two suspected pickpockets, aged 21 and 27, who were caught attempting to steal mobile phones from commuters in busy parts of the city.
The police said the suspects specialised in taking advantage of the early morning and evening rush hours to steal from unsuspecting passengers in crowded buses and bus stops.
“The suspects, who specialise in pickpocketing during rush hours in crowded areas, were caught before they could flee with their loot,” Adebisi stated. “Stolen items recovered during the operation have been returned to their rightful owners.”
All three suspects, according to the police spokesperson, are currently being detained at the RRS headquarters in Lagos. They are expected to be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, commended the operatives of the RRS for their vigilance, professionalism, and quick response in arresting the suspects.
He praised the team for maintaining high standards of policing and urged them to continue to work with intelligence and precision to prevent crime before it happens.
“CP Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention,” the statement read. “He assured Lagos residents that the command remains steadfast in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and maintain public safety.”
The Commissioner also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities in their communities, stressing that public cooperation is vital to effective policing.
The arrest comes at a time when the Lagos Police Command has increased surveillance and patrols across major markets and transport hubs to reduce theft, robbery, and other petty crimes.
The Rapid Response Squad, which operates as a tactical arm of the Lagos Police Command, has been instrumental in tackling street crime, traffic robbery, and other forms of criminal activity in the state.
The Lagos Police Command also used the opportunity to warn other criminals and ex-convicts planning to return to crime that the law would catch up with them.
“The Commissioner warns that there will be no hiding place for criminals in Lagos,” Adebisi added. “Our officers are on alert and will continue to respond swiftly to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
