Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday launched the Operation Puff Adder in the state, as a measure to further contain criminal activities in the state.
“Our collective efforts in crime fighting has yielded positive results. Within the last four months, the Command has arrested 159 suspects for armed robbery, kidnapping and cultism and recovered 43 arms and 84 ammunition”
“Our prompt response to distress calls helped in foiling 80 armed robbery attempts. 14 cases of suicide and attempted suicide were recorded” the state commissioner of police Muazu added.
“Today marks another milestone in the history of policing in Lagos state. We are here to witness a renewed vigour and determination of the Command to tackle the security challenges confronting our dear state. Of great concern are cases of cultism, traffic robbery, youth gangsterism and murder”.
“We are today launching a special operation introduced by the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu Abubakar NPM, mni, code name ‘Operation Puff Adder’ aimed at re-dominating and reclaiming the public space from heinous criminal element that are bent on threatening the nation’s internal security order”
“Officers and Men for the operations are drawn from Police Mobile Force, Tactical units, Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Criminal Investigation Department, Rapid Response Squad, Taskforce and conventional policemen” Muazu said.
The Commissioner further stated that the officers are charged to ensure zero tolerance to all form of criminality and deal decisively with criminal elements in Lagos state.
According to him, Tough times indeed awaits those who choose the path of crime in the state. We will take the battle to their door steps. Lagosians have a right to a more peaceful and orderly state and with the support of the good people of Lagos state we will rid the state off criminal elements” Muazu stated.
He urged officers of operation puff adder to be diligent in the discharge of their duties, as he enjoined them to operate within the ambit of the law and must respect the fundamental human right of the citizenry.