The Lagos State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities along major roads, resulting in the arrest of fourteen individuals suspected of carrying out robberies on the Lekki-Epe Expressway. This decisive action comes after a surge in complaints from motorists who fell victim to thefts while stuck in the notorious traffic congestion on that corridor.
Police Tactical Squad Makes Key Arrests
According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the Command's spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspects were apprehended over a two-week period. The operations were conducted by operatives of the Tactical Squad based in Elemoro, who tracked and captured the individuals at various points along the busy expressway.
CSP Adebisi emphasized that these arrests signal the police force's strong commitment to enhancing security and safeguarding the lives and property of all road users in Lagos. She urged the public to adopt a collaborative approach, advising residents and commuters with the mantra, "See something, say something," to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
Public Outcry and Social Media Alarm
The police crackdown aligns with growing public anxiety over a specific pattern of crime along the Lekki axis. Incidents often involve thieves targeting vehicles immobilized in traffic, with a focus on stealing detachable parts. This concern was amplified when popular tech influencer, Fisayo Fosudo, took to social media to raise an alarm.
Fosudo revealed his personal ordeal, stating that his car had been attacked multiple times while in traffic. In one particularly brazen incident, thieves managed to remove his windshield cover while he was stuck on the expressway. His post resonated with countless other motorists, sparking a wave of shared experiences and warnings.
One social media user highlighted that certain vehicle models, especially Lexus RX 350 models from 2017 to 2022, are prime targets for these criminals, particularly at night. The user further explained that the perpetrators often operate under the guise of beggars or street hawkers, using the cover of their supposed trade to stealthily steal side mirrors and other parts which are reportedly in high demand on the black market.
Sustained Patrols and Future Assurance
In response to these developments, the Lagos Police Command has given assurances to the public. They have pledged to maintain and even increase surveillance and patrol activities along the Lekki-Epe corridor. The objective is clear: to decisively curb the menace of traffic-related crimes and restore a sense of safety and confidence among the thousands of people who use the road daily.
The arrest of the fourteen suspects is viewed as a critical first step in this renewed security push. The police action demonstrates a proactive stance against a crime trend that has directly impacted the daily lives of Lagosians, promising a more secure commuting experience on one of the state's most vital highways.
