In line with Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Fatai Owoseni’s commitment to ensure maximum security of lives and property across the state, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has declared war on miscreants and traffic robbers.
This is coming at a time residents ýwere worried that charlatans have returned on the highways and bridges, unleashing terror on motorists and passersby even in broad daylight.
From Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Badagry Expressway, Agege Motor Road, Ijora, Ikorodu Road to Eko and Third Mainland Bridges, victims of robbery attacks relive their encounters on daily basis, with many accusing the security agencies of complacency.
But, with the arrest of over 181 suspects across different areas of the state in July by the RRS under newly deployed Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Tunji Disu, observers believe the ‘bad boys’ have started retreating.
They urged the police to fashion out modalities that will mop up illegal arms as well as stop criminal elements before they execute their plans.
Observers also believe that for effective policing, the state government must be willing to adequately utilise the Security Trust Fund by providing all the necessary tools and trainings required by the police.
Commenting on the spate of traffic robberies, a taxi driver who identified himself as Olushola said: “Though the situation is not as bad as it was about four months ago, the traffic robbers have reduced their attacks but they are still operating. If it was before, I cannot drive through Oshodi and Toyota without winding up.
“They just hang around, including little children. They usually attacked people even during the day. Once there is small traffic, you dare not wind down or leave your car unlocked.
“I have seen them attack many people on several occasions, pointing gun or knife at their victims.
“But with the presence of policemen in most of these dark spots even late in the night, the criminals are gradually withdrawingý.
“The police need to do more, especially now that Christmas celebration is drawing near. They have to look for a way to ensure there is 24-hour surveillance across Lagos.
“All those areas with bridges should be raided because teenagers who are part of these gangs hide there and smoke Indian hemps and act as spies for the older criminals.”
ýIn a chat with Southwest Report on how the 181 suspects were identified, Disu said the time of their arrests was considered.
He said: “There is no way we would have arrested innocent people because the raids were carried out around 1:00 a.m. After mopping up, we interrogated the arrested persons and those who could explain what they were doing in the locations at that time were allowed to go.
“When I was posted to head the RRS, we did crime mapping in line with the directives of the CP and located areas that are prone to crimes.
”We identified Oshodi, Ikorodu and Ijora, among others as areas where traffic robbers, bag snatchers as well as those who steal from children and in houses were rampant. So, we decided to start with those areas with greater number.
”We raided under the bridges and other hideouts of the miscreants and in most cases, the suspects put up resistance.
“We discovered that they post spies, including juveniles on ground who informed them of police arrival. At times we saw their spies playing cards.
“We were able to arrest the 181 because of the commitment of my men. They have shown great understanding and have remained committed to our drive to ensure that Lagos is safe for residents and business.
“Residents of Lagos should not be afraid. They should go to sleep with their eyes closed because the police would clampdown on criminals.
”But as you know, the police cannot do much without information. That is why we are appealing to the public to furnish us with useful information that will assist us serve them better.
“We have opened social media accounts so that people can reach us once any crime is being committed around them. We have Facebook, Twitter and e-mail accounts and there are people manning them round the clock.
“For Facebook, the account is rapidresponsesquad; Twitter is @response squad and e-mail address is rapidresponsesquad@gmail.com.
People should not hesitate to send information that will aid the police to keep criminal elements at bay.”
Disu also disclosed that all the suspects have been handed over to the relevant offices for further action, adding that the raid would continue until the hoodlums are out of business.
On what the RRS was doing in respect of incessant cult clashes in some areas of the state, Disu said the CP has issued a directive to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to fish out criminal elements obstructing public peace, adding that no stone will be left unturned in maintaining peace and security across the state.
