In a concerning revelation, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, disclosed the escalating trend of local criminals displaying expertise in fabricating firearms during the unveiling of the state command Complaint Response Unit by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The state’s police chief highlighted that criminal elements are now creating replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK47s, and other assault rifles. This worrisome trend, combined with the surge in cult activities, raises a significant alarm for the state’s security landscape.
Owohunwa said, “Most worrisome in all this is a noticeable trend that indicates an increasing local expertise in the fabrication of various types of firearms including replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK-47s, and other rifles.”
The Commissioner called for collective efforts from strategic state actors and citizens to counter this perilous trajectory. He emphasized that the police’s endeavors should be complemented to curb cultism and violent crimes in the state. To this end, the command plans to organize a conference in the coming weeks to initiate discussions on containing such issues.
Owohunwa also recognized the need to address public complaints about extortion by police officers, acknowledging that such concerns have tarnished the image of the police force.
In response, acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed ongoing efforts to establish a special intervention squad to combat criminal elements in troubled areas across the country. Egbetokun assured that mobilization of personnel for the intervention squad has commenced and operations will begin soon.
He expressed optimism in the government’s commitment to improving police welfare, stating, “Luckily, we have a government in place that cares about the welfare of the police officers and the challenges relating to welfare. I have assurances from Mr. President that efforts are underway to bring smiles to the faces of policemen in Nigeria.”
As the local expertise in firearms fabrication by criminals grows, the imperative to bolster security measures and collaboration among stakeholders becomes paramount to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the populace.
[PHOTO CREDIT: Lagos State Police Command]
