Lagos Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Neutralise Four Suspects, Recover Arms in Major Crackdown

Lagos Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Neutralise Four Suspects, Recover Arms in Major Crackdown

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a series of major operational breakthroughs recorded across the state in May 2026, including the foiling of a kidnapping attempt, arrest of armed robbery and cultism suspects, recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms and over N300 million linked to criminal activities.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, said the Command remained committed to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and sustaining public safety across Lagos State.

According to the police boss, a total of 10 suspects were arrested during operations conducted within the month under review, while several dangerous weapons and exhibits were recovered. Recovered items included three AK-47 rifles, two SMGs, revolvers, fabricated pistols, locally-made firearms, magazines, live ammunition, a dummy gun, motorcycles, axes and other dangerous weapons.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Four Suspects Killed

One of the major breakthroughs recorded by the Command was the foiling of a planned kidnapping operation at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo on May 24, 2026.

CP Fatai disclosed that operatives acted on credible intelligence regarding a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly targeting a businessman in the area. He said the gang was linked to high-profile criminal operations and reportedly specialised in kidnapping wealthy individuals.

The Commissioner revealed that the alleged gang leader, identified simply as Ifeanyi, also known as “Ifeko,” was believed to have trained a notorious kidnap kingpin previously neutralised by the police in the Ladipo area of Lagos in 2024.

According to him, police operatives moved swiftly to intercept the gang, but the suspects opened fire on sighting the police, leading to a gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of four members of the gang, while one suspect escaped with bullet wounds,” he said.

Items recovered from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with magazines and ammunition, an SMG rifle, Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicle keys.

An Inspector of Police sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and is currently receiving treatment.

Driver Arrested for Stealing Employer’s Vehicle

In another operation, police operatives arrested a 57-year-old driver, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer.

Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly changed the vehicle documents and switched phone numbers after relocating to Ibadan in an attempt to evade arrest.

Police said the suspect later confessed to the crime after his arrest.

Cult Leader Nabbed with Firearm

The Command also arrested an alleged leader of the Aiye confraternity, Waliu Olaleye, during a raid on a criminal hideout in Igando.

A search conducted in his residence reportedly led to the recovery of a locally-made double-barrel pistol concealed in the ceiling of the apartment.

Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members connected to the cult group.

Police Recover Over N300m Linked to N1bn PMS Theft

The police further disclosed the arrest of a suspect identified as Chibuzor Mogbo over the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at over N1 billion belonging to MEA Energy.

According to the Command, the suspect was arrested in Delta State after fleeing Lagos.

The police said investigations led to the recovery of cash and properties worth over N300 million believed to be proceeds of the crime.

A female suspect, Jessica Anyincha, is currently at large.

Suspects Stage Self-Kidnap to Extort Employer

In another development, detectives uncovered a staged kidnapping involving a scrap iron dealer identified as Adamu Abdullahi.

Police said the suspect, alongside accomplices, allegedly produced a fake torture video demanding a ransom of N1.5 million from his employer.

However, detectives reportedly discovered inconsistencies in the video and later obtained confessional statements from the suspects.

The police recovered N490,000 allegedly diverted by the suspect from business transactions, while efforts continue to arrest another fleeing accomplice.

Other Arrests and Recoveries

The Command also announced the arrest of suspected car vandals in Bariga and the recovery of stolen vehicles.

In a separate incident, operatives conducting stop-and-search operations along Fakoya Street, Shasha, arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Ejiro Abiriofor. A revolver pistol loaded with live ammunition and a knife were recovered from him.

Police operatives additionally recovered a locally-fabricated Beretta pistol abandoned by fleeing hoodlums operating on a motorcycle in the Ikola area.

CP Fatai assured Lagos residents that the Command would sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state.

“The successes recorded further underscore the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security and prompt response to criminal activities across Lagos State.