The Lagos State Police Command has recovered 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and arrested three suspects during an intelligence-led operation in the Surulere area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed the development while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday. He said the operation was carried out by officers attached to the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
According to Tijani, the suspects identified as Chinedu David, 29, Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38, and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45, were arrested on Saturday night. Officers also intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck loaded with 47 sacks containing military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck was allegedly transporting the military uniforms to the South-East region of the country. The police commissioner said investigators are working to determine the source of the uniforms, the ownership of the recovered items, and the intended recipients.
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He added that efforts are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and identify other individuals connected to the operation.
Tijani assured residents that the intercepted consignment did not pose an immediate threat to Lagos State, noting that it was being moved out of the state. However, he expressed concern over the growing use of military-style uniforms by criminal groups across the country.
A police source involved in the investigation revealed that the truck driver and his assistant were initially arrested before two additional suspects were identified after allegedly attempting to claim the seized items at a police station in Surulere.
The recovery comes amid increasing concerns among security agencies about the circulation of military-grade uniforms among criminal elements, a development authorities say could aid illegal activities and threaten public safety.
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