Police Foil Attempted Bank Attack, Arrest 18 After Tejuosho Market Violence

The Lagos State Police Command says it has prevented an attempted invasion of a commercial bank and restored calm to Tejuosho Market after a violent disturbance on Friday afternoon.

According to a statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the unrest began around 2:30 p.m. when a protest over a power outage turned violent. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the demonstration, attacked citizens, and then attempted to storm a bank within the market. Mobile Police officers stationed at the bank repelled the initial assault, while reinforcements from Anti-riot and tactical units swiftly dispersed the mob.

Eighteen suspects were arrested during the operation and are now in custody, while investigations continue to track down other culprits. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned that attacks on security personnel and property destruction would not be tolerated, urging residents to respect law enforcement officers as they carry out their duty of protecting lives and property.

The police assured traders and shoppers that normalcy has been restored to Tejuosho Market. The latest arrests come amid ongoing operations against criminal elements in Lagos, including the recent apprehension of suspected cultists in Akoka. Authorities also dismissed reports of multiple deaths linked to cult clashes in Lakowe, though at least five lives have been lost to such violence in different parts of the state in recent weeks.