The Lagos State Police Command has intercepted 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of suspected illicit substances during a major intelligence-driven operation in the Surulere area of the state.
Speaking to journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed that three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The suspects were identified as Chinedu David, 29; Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38; and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45. They were apprehended on Saturday night by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following actionable intelligence.
According to the police commissioner, the suspects were arrested while transporting the items in an unregistered MAN diesel truck. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 47 sacks filled with military camouflage uniforms as well as 80 cartons containing substances suspected to be illegal drugs.
Tijani explained that the successful operation was the result of intelligence-led policing efforts aimed at disrupting criminal activities and preventing security breaches.
He revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the recovered military uniforms were allegedly being transported to Nigeria’s South-East region. However, authorities are yet to determine the exact source of the uniforms, the ownership of the consignment, and the intended recipients.
The commissioner stated that investigators are working to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other individuals who may be linked to the operation.
“Investigation is ongoing to determine the source, ownership, and intended recipients of the recovered items, as well as establish the extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other persons connected with the criminal act,” he said.
Addressing concerns about public safety, Tijani assured Lagos residents that the intercepted items did not pose an immediate threat to the state, noting that the consignment was being moved out of Lagos at the time it was intercepted.
He, however, expressed concern over the increasing use of military-style uniforms by criminal groups across the country, particularly bandits and other armed elements who often disguise themselves as security personnel.
While the motive behind the shipment remains unclear, the commissioner stressed that security agencies could not ignore the potential dangers associated with unauthorized possession and distribution of military uniforms.
A police officer involved in the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to address the media, revealed additional details about the arrests.
According to the officer, the truck driver and his assistant were the first suspects taken into custody. Investigators later apprehended two additional suspects who reportedly visited a police station in Surulere to claim ownership of the recovered items.
The latest seizure comes amid growing concerns among security agencies over the proliferation of military-grade uniforms in the hands of criminal elements, a trend authorities believe contributes to insecurity and impersonation of security personnel across the country.
The Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that investigations are continuing and that anyone connected to the illegal consignment will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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