Idowu Owohunwa, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, revealed on Wednesday during the unveiling of the Complaint Response Unit by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that criminal elements within the state are displaying an increasing ability to manufacture firearms.

Owohunwa disclosed that these locally made weapons include replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK47s, and other assault rifles.

He stressed that this trend, combined with the rise in cult-related activities, poses a significant threat to the overall security situation in the state.

ALSO READ: Diezani Alison-Madueke charged with bribery by UK police

Owohunwa expressed, “Hardly does a day pass by without the ever-vigilant operatives of the command recovering weapons and illicit drugs of various descriptions at stop and search points, raids of black spots, and other operational engagements; with all such recoveries linked to the perfection of crimes across the state.

Most worrisome in all this is a noticeable trend that indicates an increasing local expertise in the fabrication of various types of firearms including replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK-47s, and other rifles.”

He called on various stakeholders within the state, including strategic state actors and citizens, to collaborate with the police in tackling this dangerous development.

Owohunwa also revealed that the command plans to organize a conference in the coming weeks to address the issues of cultism and violent crimes.

Egbetokun, while addressing police officers, emphasized the importance of professionalism and warned against unprofessional behavior.

ALSO READ: ECOWAS court directs Nigerian government to compensate gunshot victim with N60 million

He acknowledged that complaints about extortion involving police officers have negatively impacted the reputation of the police force.

Regarding the proposed establishment of a special intervention squad, Egbetokun disclosed that personnel mobilization has commenced to address criminal activities in troubled parts of the country.

He noted that efforts were being made to improve the welfare of police officers, with the support of the government.