Ishola Olanrewaju, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, has made a bold commitment to eradicate criminal activities from the region. During his inaugural media briefing held at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday, Olanrewaju firmly stated his intent to “smoke out” criminals rather than simply asking them to vacate the area.

In a display of determination, he presented 98 suspected criminals, underscoring a proactive strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks throughout Lagos. “We will not rest until we ensure the safety of our citizens,” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of the mission ahead.

In addition to these arrests, Olanrewaju announced a strategic partnership with local road transport unions to combat the rising threat of “one-chance” robberies. This initiative will see all commercial buses tagged for easy identification, ensuring that passengers can verify the legitimacy of the vehicles they enter. “Whoever enters a bus must know the bus they are boarding,” he stated, highlighting the importance of this measure for public safety.

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The Commissioner also shared the results of recent coordinated police operations that have successfully disrupted various criminal activities across the state. These operations led to the apprehension of suspects linked to serious crimes, including armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.

During these efforts, authorities confiscated a wide array of illegal items, such as weapons, narcotics, stolen goods, firearms, and ammunition. Notably, they seized $402 in cash and 39 bags of stolen rice, showcasing the significant impact of organized crime on everyday life in Lagos.

Olanrewaju officially took office as the 40th Commissioner of Police for Lagos State on September 18, marking a new chapter in the fight against crime in this bustling metropolis.