A 16-year-old boy, identified as Solomon Ibiwoye, has been apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, observant members of the public discreetly alerted officers of the Ebute-Ero Police Division after spotting the teenager with a suspicious object believed to be a weapon.
“Kudos to observant Lagosians who noticed 16-year-old Solomon Ibiwoye with a firearm and discreetly alerted Ebute-Ero Police Division”, the police spokesperson said.
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However, acting swiftly on the tip-off, the police arrested Ibiwoye and subsequently conducted a search of his residence, where they recovered a locally fabricated firearm and an unexpended cartridge.
“The police searched his house and recovered a locally fabricated firearm and an unexpended cartridge. Investigation is in progress”, he stated.
The police spokesperson, who shared the development via his official X handle, commended the vigilance of Lagosians whose timely information helped avert potential danger.
He reiterated the importance of the public maintaining a collaborative relationship with security agencies to ensure safety across the state.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the weapon and the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s possession of it, the police spokesperson did not disclose how Ibiwoye came into possession of the firearm.
“The recovery of another illegal weapon from the streets is a step toward ensuring the security of all residents. We urge everyone: see something, say something,” the police statement emphasized.