Operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) have arrested a 35-year-old suspected arms dealer and alleged armourer for the notorious Aiye cult group during a midnight surveillance operation in Imota, Ikorodu, recovering a cache of locally made firearms and other dangerous weapons.
The suspect, identified as Jelili Adeyemo, was apprehended during an operation triggered by complaints from residents over persistent fuel siphoning incidents that had unsettled the neighbourhood.
The operation, carried out by officers of the LNSC Imota Command on Saturday, was done following intelligence gathered during an investigation into repeated cases of petrol theft from parked vehicles in the Araromi community.
According to the agency, surveillance was intensified around the affected area, leading to the interception of the suspect at about 2:00 a.m. on June 27 after security operatives observed what they described as suspicious movements.
Further investigations led officers to another residence linked to the suspect at **No. 13, Agundugbun Street, Imota**, where a search uncovered an assortment of weapons and other security-related items believed to have been concealed for criminal operations.
Items recovered from the premises included **two locally made long guns, three locally made short guns, military camouflage uniforms, jack knives, a stun device, cutlasses, metal handcuffs, used cartridges and other incriminating exhibits.**
Sources disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to keeping the firearms on behalf of members of the Aiye cult group operating within the area.
The suspect and all recovered exhibits have since been handed over to the Imota Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the arrest, the General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, described the operation as another breakthrough in the state’s efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve community safety.
He said the successful operation underscored the agency’s growing intelligence-gathering capacity and its commitment to supporting other security agencies in combating violent crimes across Lagos.
According to Oyekan, the arrest aligns with the security vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who have consistently prioritized the protection of lives and property through intelligence-led policing and stronger community participation.
He urged residents to continue partnering with security agencies by volunteering timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities before they occur.
“The cooperation of residents remains critical to sustaining the successes being recorded in the fight against crime. We encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities,” he said.