Unmasking The Myths: Have Police Really Stopped Armed Robbers In Lagos For Over A Decade

Unmasking The Myths: Have Police Really Stopped Armed Robbers In Lagos For Over A Decade

During the 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security hosted by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund on Thursday, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun made a bold statement: since 2007, only one bank robbery has been successful in Lagos, with the last one occurring in 2014. Egbetokun highlighted how armed robbery,…Unmasking The Myths: Have Police Really Stopped Armed Robbers In Lagos For Over A Decade

especially bank robberies, had become rare in the city, crediting the police force’s proactive measures and improved security efforts.

A Deep Dive into the Claim

Egbetokun’s statement about the drastic reduction in successful robberies since 2007 raised eyebrows, especially as armed robbery is defined by law as the use of force or the threat of violence to steal valuables. This claim suggests that incidents involving successful robberies have significantly declined, but is it true?

Despite the IG’s assertion, a deeper analysis of recent crime reports contradicts his claim. According to The ireporteronline, at least five successful bank robberies have taken place in Lagos since 2015, involving millions of naira, fatalities, and high-profile attacks. For instance, in March 2015, armed robbers stormed a First City Monument Bank in Lekki, leaving behind three policemen and two civilians dead. In another shocking raid the same year, a gang attacked two commercial banks in Ikorodu, overpowering police headquarters and making off with large sums.

Notable Bank Heists and Casualties

In 2015, on October 14, a gang of over 40 armed robbers targeted two banks in FESTAC Town. These criminals used boats to access the banks, wreaking havoc on the area, injuring several residents, and tragically killing a toddler and her mother from stray bullets.

Fast forward to November 2020, when armed robbers ambushed a bullion van on Ado Road in Ajah, leaving one person dead. Just days later, another group of 45 criminals stormed two banks in Agbara, killing security guards and injuring a pregnant woman with their ruthless tactics.

A Growing Concern

The police have made some arrests, but these incidents reflect a disturbing reality: robbers are still able to execute their plans, leaving victims and residents in fear. The IG’s claim about the decline of successful robberies in Lagos appears to overlook the stark reality of organized, armed criminal activity.

What This Means for Security

While there may be fewer bank robberies today compared to the past, it’s clear that robbery syndicates still present a serious challenge. The question remains: has the police’s strategy truly succeeded in eliminating major robberies, or is there more work to be done to stop them?

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