On June 20, 2025, the Lagos State Police Command apprehended Wasiu Akinwande, a 44-year-old notorious hired assassin and gang leader known as Olori Eso, in a covert operation in Agbado, Ogun State. The meticulously planned raid, dubbed “Silence, Speed and Surprise,” was executed by the Command’s Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence about Akinwande’s hideout. This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in curbing violent crime in Lagos, as Akinwande has been linked to a string of heinous crimes spanning over a decade.
The operation yielded a substantial cache of weapons, underscoring the suspect’s dangerous operations. Police recovered nine sophisticated firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, one K2 assault rifle, three pump action rifles, and two locally fabricated pistols. Additionally, authorities seized 160 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 45 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, seven magazines, a dagger, three walkie-talkies, and nine international passports, raising questions about potential cross-border criminal activities.
Wasiu Akinwande, described by the Lagos State Police as the most wanted criminal in the state in recent times, has a criminal record dating back to 2009. He is allegedly responsible for armed robberies, murders, kidnappings, and cult-related killings, primarily operating in the Mushin area of Lagos. Four families have identified him as the perpetrator behind the deaths of their loved ones, highlighting the profound impact of his actions on local communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the Tactical Squad for their precision and bravery during the operation. He has ordered an expanded investigation to identify and apprehend Akinwande’s accomplices, believed to be part of a broader criminal network. The police are also analyzing the recovered items, particularly the international passports, to determine their origins and potential links to other crimes.
Akinwande’s arrest followed months of intelligence gathering, with the police tracking his movements after he reportedly fled Lagos to evade capture. His hideout in Agbado, a border community in Ogun State, was described as a fortified base where he planned and coordinated criminal activities. The successful raid has been hailed as a testament to the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to tackling violent crime.
Authorities have assured the public that Akinwande will face prosecution for his alleged crimes, which span from 2009 to 2024. The police have urged residents to provide information on other criminal elements to aid ongoing efforts to enhance security in Lagos and beyond. Akinwande remains in custody as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of his criminal enterprise.
The recovered arsenal provides insight into the scale of Akinwande’s operations, which reportedly involved a well-armed gang. The presence of high-caliber weapons like the AK-47 and K2 rifles suggests his group was equipped for large-scale confrontations, possibly with rival gangs or security forces. The walkie-talkies indicate a level of coordination typically seen in organized crime syndicate.
The nine international passports recovered during the raid have sparked particular interest among investigators. While the police have not disclosed the identities associated with the passports, they are exploring whether these documents were used for illicit travel or linked to human trafficking or other cross-border crimes. This aspect of the investigation could reveal connections to international criminal networks.
Akinwande’s criminal activities have left a trail of devastation, particularly in Mushin, where he is believed to have orchestrated numerous violent incidents. Residents of the area have expressed relief at his arrest, with some describing him as a terror who operated with impunity. The police have emphasized that this arrest is part of a broader strategy to dismantle criminal networks in Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to leveraging intelligence-driven operations to combat crime. The success of the “Silence, Speed and Surprise” operation highlights the effectiveness of specialized units like the Tactical Squad in addressing high-profile threats. Commissioner Jimoh has called for public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspicious activities to aid law enforcement efforts.
As the investigation progresses, the police are working to ensure that all evidence is thoroughly examined to build a robust case against Akinwande. The recovered weapons and ammunition will undergo forensic analysis to trace their origins and possible use in other crimes. The public has been assured that every effort is being made to bring justice to the victims of Akinwande’s alleged crimes.
This arrest sends a strong message to other criminals operating in Lagos and neighboring states. The police have vowed to continue their relentless pursuit of individuals and groups threatening public safety. With Akinwande in custody, authorities are optimistic that further arrests and seizures will disrupt the operations of associated criminal elements.
