Nigerians have taken to social media to pay heartfelt tributes to retired police officer Kayode Uaneroro, the legendary officer who led the team that captured the notorious armed robber Lawrence Anini in the late 1980s.
Kayode passed away on Sunday morning, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, discipline, and national service.
Back in the 1980s, Anini terrorized parts of the country, especially the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta), carrying out armed robberies with ease and evading law enforcement. His activities embarrassed the nation and raised serious concerns about security.
When all efforts to capture Anini failed, top police officers recommended Kayode Uaneroro, who at the time was a commandant at the MOPOL Training School in Gwoza. Known for his towering presence, muscular build, black belt in karate, and no-nonsense attitude, he had successfully led several operations against violent criminals in the past.
In a decisive operation, Kayode led a 10-man undercover police team to Benin City, where they stormed a hideout and caught Anini off guard. Kayode personally shot Anini in the ankle, ending the months-long manhunt and bringing relief to the country.
Netizens Remember a Hero
Since his passing, many Nigerians who knew him, worked with him, or simply admired his legacy have shared their memories and tributes online. Here are the quotes od some of them:
Odolaye Bàá Waki Aremu
“He was my course mate at Unilag. Quiet and humble with a very inquisitive glare. Dark as ebony, and smart as a whip. A chain smoker with either a Tom-Tom or some kind of candy stuck in the corner of his mouth. He always, in those days, detailed his responses in class with real-life police experience. I enjoyed sitting next to him. I am so glad that I knew him and treated him like a superhero. May His Soul Rest In Peace!”
Victor Adubuola
“Rest in peace great officer.
I came in contact with him when we were demonstrating against the annulment of June 12 1993 election at Fadeyi precisely.
We were poised for a fight with him and his boys but he tactically dislodged us with a song:
‘Keni keni ma na police ooo
Ara wa ni
Arawa ni police ooo
Ara wa ni’
And we cleared the road for him and his boys till they got to Stadium Bridge.
I love and admire him so much.
RIP great man.”
David Awodola
“Thank God for everything. Kayode rest in peace. We’re together in Jos and Kano for many years.”
Gabson Oloyede
“I met him through my humble late dad DSP Oloyede Michael as the Chief Security Officer at FirstBank Head Office at Marina, Lagos.
He Chairmaned the burial of our great unforgettable grandpa’s burial ceremony at Ayedun, Kwara State in 2004.
Similar to that, I was with Dad during the wedding of his first son at Uzeba in Edo State around 2003.
We travelled together for the wedding and he highlighted his experience on the day he captured Anini…
He remained a distinct gallant officer till death. He was a hero, a straightforward, bold, very tall man.
To be candid, late Rtd. Kayode Uaneroro deserves a National Honour.
I loved him.”
Tobi Osinowo
“This man needs to be celebrated even though he has died.
He should be given a posthumous award for the wonderful work he did to arrest Lawrence Anini the notorious robber in the 80s.”
Emmanuel Abiodun Kinrinola
“I request the present IGP to recommend gallant Police Officer Kayode Uaneroro to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a National Honour, a reward for the family and a befitting burial.
He and his team saved Nigeria from a National/International Embarrassment in 1986.
Let our leaders at ALL LEVELS celebrate people who have done good work(s) when they are alive.
Gallant Police Officer Kayode Uaneroro, rest on till the resurrection day.”
