The police in Lagos and Rivers states have recorded separate breakthroughs in the fight against violent crimes, arresting suspected members of criminal gangs, rescuing a kidnap victim and recovering firearms, vehicles and other items.

In Lagos, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate allegedly operating around Iju-Ishaga and Oke-Aro areas of the state.

The suspects, identified as 22-year-old Haruna Sheriff; 28-year-old Damilare Oluwatobi; 30-year-old Lekan Adenuga; and 24-year-old David Balogun, were arrested at their hideout in Idi-Oro, Mushin, following sustained intelligence gathering.

Police said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of 25 mobile phones, two laptops, a gold necklace, earrings and three cutlasses.

The suspects remain in police custody and are assisting investigators in efforts to establish their alleged involvement in the robbery operations and identify other members of the syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the VCRU operatives for what he described as a swift and intelligence-led operation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and ensuring the safety of residents, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police.

Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command said it had rescued a woman identified as Loveth, who was allegedly abducted by armed men in the state, and arrested a 35-year-old suspected member of the kidnapping gang.

The command said the operation, carried out by operatives of the Eleme Police Division, also led to the recovery of a mini bus, two locally made pistols, ammunition and other items suspected to be connected with the crime.

According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, Loveth was abducted on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop.

The police said the assailants approached her, fired shots into the air and forced her into a vehicle before driving away.

Following the incident, the Eleme Police Division commenced an intelligence-led operation to track the suspects and locate the victim.

The command said operatives, acting on information gathered during the investigation, eventually encountered the suspected kidnappers, leading to the rescue of Loveth and the arrest of Victor Ini, 35, a native of Akwa Ibom State.

Items recovered during the operation included a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja; two locally made pistols; one live round of ammunition; a mobile phone; two identity cards; two black gowns; and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG.

The Rivers command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang allegedly involved in the kidnapping.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the command remained committed to protecting life and property and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

Adepoju warned criminal elements that the police would continue to deploy lawful means and available resources to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the ‘ember’ months, and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing and responding to criminal activities.

The arrested suspect remains in police custody as investigation continues.