Residents of Ikotun area in Lagos state have commended both the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) and The Commander, Command Tactical team Ijegun Annex, for reducing crime and tackling criminals.
The residents who spoke separately to reporters noted that crime has drastically reduced in their area and commended the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command for supervising his men in the area regularly.
The commendation came in the wake of reports that a distress call was received from a member of CDA in Arikejohn in White sand community of Isheri-Oshun over involvement of gruesome crime committed by some cultist gangs, where a suspected drug baron Mr. Chibuzor Eze, 42, and a dealer of illicit drugs, allegedly romances with some cultist groups who always patronize him and use his abode as their meeting point from where they do plan on how to carry out their notorious activities.
Operatives uncovered large quantities of illegal substance concealed inside their hideout, making a major breakthrough in the fight against drugs trafficking. However, one David Awokrin, 27, was arrested during the raid and on interrogation by the police, the suspect confessed to be an active member of ‘Eiye confraternity. Investigation also led to other gang member, one Taye Adeniran, 25, and other notorious cultist gangs, who were terrorizing Ijegemo community in Ijegun town and a locally made cut to size pistol, one cutlass, one battle axe were recovered which they concealed inside their hideout.
Investigations also revealed that based on these cult related activities, both the DPO, Ikotun and the Commander, Tactical team, Ijegun took decisive action and commenced diligent surveillance which led to the arrest of the above mentioned suspects. The suspects have since been charged to court.
One of the residents who operate a big super market near Ikotun market, Chief Christopher Nwaka told reporters that both the DPO, Ikotun and the Commander, Tactical Unit, Ijegun, swung into action when they received information about their criminal activities.
According to him, we all participated actively in unravelling the atrocities of some criminal elements. Operatives attached to Command Tactical team Ijegun sighted a suspicious movement of an unregistered LEXUS ES350 Car, Ash in colour, parkes along Ikotun/Ijegun road. The occupants suspected they were being trailed by the police, they abandoned the vehicle and fled to unknown destination.
Meanwhile, in a concerted effort, the police recovered the vehicle to their station.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle belong to Mr. Qadri Kareem of Bello Street, off community road in Ijegun, who stated that the vehicle was removed from where it was parked by an unknown persons before it was recovered by the police. The owner provided satisfactory explanations with original proof of ownership documents and the vehicle was released to him by the police and we are very much happy with the decisive actions the Commander and men of Tactical Unit at Ijegun.
“It is noteworthy that these officers left no stone unturned in tackling the issue and since then, they have been constantly fighting criminals in our area.
“Noticeably, if you go to Ijegun now, you will sleep with two eyes closed. Earlier before Commander Aderoja was posted to Command Tactical team Ijegun, the whole area was a beehive of criminal activities. People were afraid of leaving their homes at night.
“But now, activities thrive there and beyond till any hour of the night. Excesses of commercial motorcyclists that have been a thorn in the flesh of residents have been checked.
“We are now enjoying police presence and a lot of us are patriotically carrying out our civic duties by giving police credible information about criminals.”
A retired Customs Officer that resides inside Ijegun, Otunba Adebowale also commended the officers for carrying out their duties creditably well. “I have lived here for about ten years I know virtually everything going on from Ikotun to Ijegun and beyond.
“These officers manning Ikotun and Ijegun are doing well. They deserve commendation.. That young man in the tactical unit is wonderful. He has a listening ear and he confronts criminals headlong.
“You can call both the DPO and the Commander anytime and they will pick their calls. They have so briefed their men to the extent that none of them will ask if you have appointment anytime you come to their offices. They have that open door policy and I pray other officers should emulate them.”