By Olasunkanmi Akoni
In a midnight sting operation, men of the Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday, raided criminal hotspots and hideouts around the Oko Filling bus stop along the LASU, Governor’s Road, Alimosho area, Iyana Ipaja Expressway.
The police set ablaze a sprawling dump site believed by many residents to have been occupied by armed robbers and hardened criminals, while some suspects were arrested in the process.
The operation, which took place close to Alimosho General Hospital, saw a heavy deployment of security personnel, with eyewitnesses reporting dozens of police patrol vehicles converging on the area from different parts of the state.
The incident sent residents into a panic, who frantically called police.
Residents reported hearing sporadic gunshots during the operation, although it could not be immediately ascertained if the shots were fired by police officers, suspects, or both.
Residents had sent several complaints to security personnel regarding the suspects’ presence and illegal activities, which had been a source of concern.
A victim, who simply identified as Deola, said it was a clash between the police and a group of cultists.
According to him, “I was really wounded yesterday in the chaos that followed as people were running for all those boys called cultists.
“They scattered all over Governor’s Road yesterday when I wanted to buy noodles last night. Those who were wounded landed in the hospital for treatment.”
Meanwhile, as of press time, the Lagos State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, but it was gathered that the operation targeted a suspected criminal or terrorist hideout.
Videos and eyewitness accounts shared on X showed thick smoke billowing from the location as security operatives maintained a strong presence around the area.
One eyewitness wrote, “Bro, that Lanre, Oko Filling along Igando, Isheri Road, that place where shady people stay is a bandits’ hideout. Lagos State forces mounted there this morning. They were packing all those people and burning the whole place down.”
Another resident posted, “What is going on in Ikotun, Igando Road? Never seen police this much on the road in my whole life.”
A third eyewitness said, “I’ve seen more than 15 patrol vans from Igando to Lanre. Wetin dey sup?”
Others claimed they heard sustained gunfire.
One resident wrote, “No wonder I just dey hear gunshot this morning.”
Another added, “Someone said shots have been fired more than 10 times.”
Some social media users alleged that the occupants resisted the operation.
“Rumours are the people fired back at the police when they came to chase them away,” one post claimed.
However, the claims could not be independently verified, and there was no official confirmation of any exchange of gunfire or casualties.
The dramatic operation also fuelled fresh concerns among residents of Idimu and Ikotun, with several claiming they had noticed unusually large numbers of Hausa Fulani men gathering in their neighbourhoods following the raid.
Some residents expressed fears that many of those who escaped the operation may have dispersed into surrounding communities, although there is currently no official evidence to support those claims.
“I just passed there. I was surprised. It looked like police from all the divisions in Lagos were there,” another eyewitness posted.
Others questioned whether the operation was connected to a major anti-drug crackdown or a broader security exercise.
Also, the number of arrests made could not be ascertained, while weapons and other exhibits
The operation was also linked to terrorism and other criminal offences.
