By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, Dec. 31, 2025
The Lagos State Police Command has demonstrated the tangible impact of proactive policing with the arrest of a 28-year-old man and the recovery of a locally made pistol during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Ikotun area. The arrest, which occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, underscores the critical role of visible, intelligence-led patrols in disrupting criminal activity before it escalates.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the details in an official statement released via her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @AbimbolaShotayo, on Wednesday.
“The suspect was apprehended by our operatives while they were conducting mandatory security checks,” SP Adebisi stated. “A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from his possession at the immediate point of arrest.”
Context and Significance of the Arrest
This incident is more than a simple weapon seizure; it represents a successful interception of a potential threat. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect was allegedly returning from a criminal operation and en route to the Ayobo area when police vigilance halted his movement. This detail is crucial—it suggests the operation prevented either the use of the weapon in a future crime or its further distribution within criminal networks.
Locally made firearms, often referred to as “craft” or “artisanal” weapons, pose a significant challenge to security forces in Nigeria and across West Africa. They are inexpensive to produce, difficult to trace due to a lack of serial numbers, and are frequently used in armed robberies, kidnappings, and communal clashes. The recovery of such a weapon directly contributes to reducing the arsenal available to criminal elements.
The Strategy Behind Stop-and-Search
While sometimes a subject of public debate, legally conducted stop-and-search operations remain a vital tool in preventive policing, especially in high-density urban areas like Lagos. When executed professionally and with respect for citizens’ rights, these checks serve as a deterrent and a direct method for seizing illegal weapons and narcotics. This arrest in Ikotun is a textbook example of the strategy working as intended: a visible police presence leading to the direct apprehension of an armed individual.
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Commitment
The police have emphasized that investigations are ongoing. The focus will likely extend beyond this single individual to uncover the full scope of his activities, identify any accomplices, and trace the source of the weapon. This follow-up is essential to transforming a single arrest into a broader dismantling of a criminal cell or supply chain.
In her statement, SP Adebisi reaffirmed the command’s unwavering dedication to combating crime and ensuring the safety and security of all Lagos residents. This event serves as a public-facing validation of that commitment, aiming to bolster public confidence and foster greater cooperation between the community and law enforcement.
The suspect is currently in custody and will face prosecution in accordance with the laws of Lagos State, particularly the Firearms Act. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yakubu Uba
