Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit has arrested 46 suspected offenders during a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at tackling criminal activities across parts of the state.

The exercise, which commenced at about 9 a.m. on Friday, covered strategic locations on Lagos Island, Victoria Island and the Lekki corridor.

The agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.

According to him, the operation extended to Muri-Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Obalende Underbridge, Law School Junction, Maroko, Sandfill near Mobil Bus Stop and Marwa Bus Stop, where the suspects were apprehended.

Gbadeyan said the raid formed part of the agency’s sustained campaign to rid the state of street urchins, miscreants, drug addicts and other individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activities.

He added that enforcement officers also targeted suspected drug peddlers, illegal commercial motorcyclists, street traders and ticket touts operating unlawfully.

The spokesperson disclosed that 46 suspects were arrested during the exercise, while exhibits recovered included substances suspected to be Indian hemp, Colorado and cannabis.

He further revealed that officers recovered a cutlass and a locally made Dane gun from the suspects.

According to Gbadeyan, calm was restored in all the locations visited by the enforcement team following the operation.

He said the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, reiterated the agency’s determination to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere in Lagos State.

Akerele, according to the statement, assured residents that similar enforcement operations would continue across the state to enhance public safety and maintain law and order.

The spokesperson added that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017, as well as the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

One person was killed and two others injured after suspected bandits attacked Makoda town in Makoda Local Government Area of Kano State.

The incident was revealed in a post shared on X on Friday by security analyst Bakatsine.

According to him, the attack occurred on Thursday night when more than 30 armed men riding motorcycles invaded the community and opened fire repeatedly, sending residents fleeing for safety.

Bakatsine said the assailants killed one person, injured two others, and escaped with an undisclosed amount of money.

He said residents described the attackers as heavily armed and noted that the incident left the community in fear before the gunmen fled.

“Last night, suspected bandits launched an attack on Makoda town, Makoda LGA in Kano State, killing one person, injuring two others and reportedly fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Residents said more than 30 heavily armed men arrived on motorcycles, opened fire indiscriminately and left the community in panic before escaping. If armed groups can now strike communities in Kano with such ease, what does that say about the country’s ability to prevent insecurity from spreading even further?,” Bakatsine wrote.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man, Ahmed Saleh, for allegedly impersonating a police officer and unlawfully gaining entry into a female students’ lodge at Malikiyya College of Health, Old GRA, Bauchi.

The suspect, a resident of Kobi Area, Bauchi, is also accused of attempted rape and theft.

The incident, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, occurred in the early hours of Friday.

The statement said the police received a distress call from the college at about 6:30 am, reporting that a man allegedly dressed in full police camouflage uniform had gained entry into the female students’ lodge at about 2:30 am.

The suspect reportedly claimed to be attached to Garu Security Service, Bauchi.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of ‘B’ Division led detectives and patrol operatives to the scene, where Saleh was arrested.

The police camouflage uniform allegedly worn by the suspect was recovered as an exhibit.

The command said further investigation also linked the suspect to a series of theft cases reported within the hostel area.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

The police said he would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, warned individuals and private security outfits against impersonating security agencies.

He also assured residents, particularly students, of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in and around educational institutions across the state.