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The Lagos State Police Command says it has foiled an attempted abduction of a businessman in the Ejigbo area of Lagos, leading to the death of four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle with operatives.
Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the Command’s operational scorecard for May 2026, detailing arrests, recoveries and crime prevention efforts across the state.
According to the police, the attempted kidnapping was thwarted on May 24 at Jakande Estate Gate, Ejigbo, following intelligence reports about an alleged criminal gang said to specialise in targeting wealthy individuals.
The Command said operatives had placed the group under surveillance before moving in when intelligence suggested an attack was imminent.
Police alleged that the suspected gang opened fire on officers upon sighting them, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
“Operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of four members of the gang, while one suspect escaped with bullet wounds,” the police said.
Recovered items from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, an AK-47 rifle with magazines and ammunition, an SMG rifle, and vehicle keys believed to belong to intended targets.
The police further claimed that the suspected gang leader, identified simply as Ifeanyi, also known as “Ifeko,” was linked to an earlier kidnapping network disrupted in Lagos in 2024.
An inspector attached to the operation reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other alleged accomplices.
Beyond the kidnap operation, the Lagos Command announced a series of other arrests and recoveries made within the month under review.
Among them was the arrest of a 57-year-old driver, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan, Oyo State, over the alleged theft of a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer.
Police said preliminary investigation suggested the suspect relocated with the vehicle, altered its documentation and changed his phone number in an attempt to avoid detection before being tracked down. The suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation.
In another operation tied to anti-cultism efforts, detectives reportedly recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol from the residence of a suspected cult leader in Igando.
The Command identified the suspect as Waliu Olaleye, alleged to be a principal member of the Aiye confraternity group. The firearm was said to have been concealed inside the ceiling of the apartment.
Police also announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged diversion of Premium Motor Spirit valued at more than N1 billion.
The case, reportedly involving a complaint by MEA Energy, led investigators to Delta State where one of the suspects, Chibuzor Mogbo, was arrested after nearly two weeks of investigation.
The Command claimed the suspect confessed and assisted investigators in recovering cash and assets worth over N300 million allegedly linked to the case. A second suspect remains at large.
In a separate development, detectives uncovered what police described as a staged kidnapping plot allegedly designed to extort money from an employer.
The case began after a missing person report involving a scrap iron dealer, Adamu Abdullahi. Investigators said a video later emerged showing the man being beaten and threatened over a ransom demand.
However, police said inconsistencies in the footage prompted further questioning, after which the alleged victim reportedly admitted that the abduction had been orchestrated with accomplices to fraudulently obtain money.
The Command said N490,000 allegedly diverted from business transactions was recovered, while investigations continue to track down another suspect.
The police also announced the arrest of two suspected vehicle vandals in Bariga following a distress call from residents. Officers recovered a Honda saloon car during follow-up investigations.
In another operation along Fakoya Street, Shasha, officers on stop-and-search duty arrested a man identified as Ejiro Abiriofor after allegedly recovering a revolver pistol, live ammunition and a knife from his vehicle.
Meanwhile, operatives responding to robbery reports in the Ikola area recovered a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol hidden on an abandoned motorcycle after suspected hoodlums fled the scene.
Overall, the Command said 10 suspects were arrested during the month, while several firearms, magazines, ammunition, vehicles, weapons and other exhibits linked to alleged criminal activities were recovered.
CP Fatai said the May operations reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and assured residents that the Command would sustain efforts against violent crime.
“The Command wishes to assure all Lagosians that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the state,” he said, urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
He added that all suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
