Popular Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has issued a passionate appeal to security authorities in Lagos State following a harrowing robbery attempt that nearly left him as another victim of the city’s growing crime concerns.
In a candid Instagram post shared on Sunday, the actor recounted the chilling moment he was attacked by hoodlums shortly after returning to Nigeria. He didn’t hold back in his criticism of the state’s security structure, particularly targeting the inefficiency of routine police checkpoints that seem more interested in casual greetings and tips than actual protection.
“Lagos needs better security than those ‘stop and search’ checkpoints where officers ask, ‘Oga how weekend?’ and ‘Anything for us?’” Johnson lamented.
Describing the incident in vivid detail, he revealed how it all happened in the blink of an eye.
“I had just gotten back to my country—yes, my own country—and the welcome committee was a group of robbers. Thank God for alertness and quick thinking, or this would’ve ended very differently,” he wrote.
According to Johnson, the terrifying encounter took place in the Alapere area, shortly after descending from the Third Mainland Bridge on the stretch between Secretariat and Magodo.
“It happened in just 15 seconds. I heard a loud bang on my windshield, and before I knew it, three thugs were swarming my car. This is not the first time either—this is the second time I’ve had such an experience. Lagos is becoming more dangerous by the day, and we need real action.”
The actor, visibly shaken but grateful to have escaped unharmed, also shared a video showing the damage inflicted on his vehicle during the attack. The footage, which quickly made the rounds online, sparked concern among fans and fellow actors, with many calling for improved surveillance and rapid response systems across Lagos.
In the same post, Johnson took a moment to show support for his colleagues who received accolades at the 2025 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), proving that even amidst personal trauma, he remained connected to the larger Nollywood family.
His message, while emotional, has amplified growing public discourse about urban safety and the need for Nigeria’s security apparatus to move beyond superficial routines and deliver true protection to its citizens.
