In a recent operation, the Lagos State Police Command unveiled its successful raid on a blacksmith’s facility involved in the illicit manufacture of firearms destined for criminal use. As relayed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, during a press conference held at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, it was revealed that this significant bust transpired on September 11, 2023, at approximately 4 pm. The operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence pinpointing a blacksmith operating in the vicinity of Idata Village, Ibeju-Lekki, who specialized in crafting firearms for the criminal underworld.

Operatives from the Lagos State Police Command swiftly intervened, effectively dismantling the illegal manufacturing setup and apprehending two individuals identified as Musiliu Gbenga, 21 years of age, and Owolabi Azeez, 22 years old. Subsequently, a cache of incriminating evidence was seized from the premises, which included three single-barrel locally-made pistols, one double-barrel locally-manufactured firearm, one single-barrel locally-crafted gun, two single-barrel locally-fabricated long guns, along with 10 expended cartridges, 12 elongated pipes, two drilling machines, one gas cylinder, an associated vehicle, and an assortment of tools used in the fabrication process.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, underscored the significance of this operation in enhancing public safety. He emphasized the necessity for those unlawfully in possession of arms and ammunition to voluntarily surrender these contraband items to law enforcement authorities without fear of imminent arrest or prosecution. This proactive initiative aligns with the directive issued by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging all police commands to execute comprehensive campaigns aimed at retrieving arms and ammunition from non-state actors within their respective jurisdictions.

In addition to the blacksmithing operation, Hundeyin divulged that the Lagos State Police Command also made multiple arrests in connection with other criminal activities, including robbery, cultism, and the impersonation of armed forces personnel. The total number of individuals apprehended in this joint operation stands at 32, signifying a commendable stride in maintaining law and order within the state.