Operation KO S’AYE III: Lagos Police Arrest 147 Suspects, Recover 250 Cartridges in Fresh Crackdown on Criminal Hideouts
Rather than waiting for criminal elements to strike, the Lagos State Police Command has intensified coordinated clearance operations aimed at dismantling criminal enclaves, disrupting violent networks and denying hoodlums the space to organise their activities. In its ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III, a special enforcement initiative of the Lagos State Police Command, operatives have recorded another significant breakthrough with the arrest of 147 suspects and the recovery of a cache of dangerous weapons, ammunition and illicit substances during coordinated raids across identified criminal hideouts in the state.
Addressing pressmen including members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi on behalf the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani stated, the latest operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, following credible intelligence.
“As part of the ongoing Operation KO S’AYE III, the Lagos State Police Command has continued its intensive clearance operations targeting criminal hideouts across the State, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to denying criminals any safe haven and ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” the statement read.
SP Adebisi disclosed that at about 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, a joint team of operatives drawn from different formations of the Command launched simultaneous raids on criminal hideouts at Boolar, Super Ile-Epo, and other identified black spots across Lagos. “The operation was aimed at flushing out hoodlums and other criminal elements terrorising the area,” she stated.
The operation culminated in the arrest of 147 suspects, while officers recovered 250 expanded cartridges, 22 machetes, five battle axes, two knives, one lighter, one pair of scissors, assorted charms and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Police spokesperson noted that “all the suspects are currently in Police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual culpability. Those found to have committed criminal offences will be prosecuted accordingly.”
Commending the operatives for what he described as their professionalism and dedication to duty, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain the operation across the state. The battle against crime in Lagos, CP Fatai Tijani, highlighted is being increasingly won through proactive intelligence, sustained surveillance and pre-emptive law enforcement operations.
Quoting the Commissioner’s position, SP Adebisi said he “reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to the continued implementation of Operation KO S’AYE, stressing that the operation will be sustained across the State to deny criminals any safe haven and ensure the safety and security of all residents.”
The Commissioner also appealed to Lagos residents to remain active partners in the fight against crime by volunteering credible and timely information capable of assisting security agencies. “Members of the public should continue providing timely and credible information that will assist the Police in identifying criminal hideouts, apprehending offenders and enhancing public safety across Lagos State,” the Police PRO quoted the Commissioner as saying.
With Operation KO S’AYE III gathering momentum, the Lagos State Police Command has signalled that the sustained pressure on criminal elements will continue until every identified hideout is dismantled and Lagos remains secure for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
