The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has reacted to reports of young men in certain parts of Lagos State seizing phones of passersby and then collecting a ransom from them before such phones are released.

In a statement released today April 8, the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the state Police boss has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) especially in identified areas to redouble security architecture and enhance their neighborhood and foot patrol within their areas of responsibility (AORs) to tackle this emerging menace.

He gave this charge during an early morning meeting with all Area/Squadron/Tactical Commanders and DPOs on Monday, April 8, 2024.

‘’The CP has further warned that any officer in whose AOR such an incident occurs again would be severely sanctioned, assuring that the Command remains unrelenting in its resolve and determination to continue to stamp out, and make the public space hot for criminal elements.

The Lagos State Police Command uses this opportunity to commend everyone who brought this menace to the notice of relevant authorities and further encourages all Lagosians to continue to say something when they see something.”

Hundeyin added that CP Fayoade has ordered the immediate prosecution of 303 suspects arrested over the weekend during raids across the state, after a careful screening process. The raids were carried out by Area Commanders, DPOs and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

Filmmaker, Biodun Stephen, released a video on social media on Thursday, April 4, raising alarm over the presence of touts in Lagos state who boldly seize the phones of residents and then release them after their victims pay a ransom.