Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out a late-night raid on suspected criminal hideouts around the Oko Filling bus stop on Governor’s Road near LASU in the Alimosho area of Lagos on Sunday.
During the operation, officers set fire to a large dump site believed by residents to have served as a base for armed robbers and other criminal elements, while several suspects were reportedly arrested.
The exercise, conducted near Alimosho General Hospital along the Iyana Ipaja Expressway, involved a heavy security presence, with eyewitnesses saying numerous patrol vehicles arrived at the scene from different parts of the state.
The development caused panic among residents, many of whom contacted security agencies as the operation unfolded.
Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots, although it was unclear whether the shots originated from police operatives, suspects or both parties.
Residents had previously complained to security authorities about the activities of individuals allegedly operating from the area, describing them as a threat to public safety.
A resident identified simply as Deola claimed the incident involved a confrontation between police operatives and suspected cult members.
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.”
As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official statement, although sources indicated that the raid focused on a suspected criminal or terrorist enclave.
Videos and eyewitness accounts circulating on X showed thick smoke rising from the area as security personnel maintained a strong presence.
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?”
Other residents claimed they heard repeated gunfire during the operation.
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 occupants of the area 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 operation also heightened concerns among residents of Idimu and Ikotun, with some claiming they had observed an increase in the number of Hausa Fulani men in their communities after the raid.
Others expressed fears that suspects who escaped may have dispersed into neighbouring areas, although no official evidence has been provided to support such claims.
“I just passed there. I was surprised. It looked like police from all the divisions in Lagos were there,” another eyewitness posted.
Some residents also speculated that the operation could be linked to a major anti-drug campaign or a wider security exercise.
The exact number of suspects arrested, as well as any weapons or other exhibits recovered, had yet to be confirmed as of press time. The operation was reportedly connected to investigations into terrorism and other criminal activities.