Lagos Police Foil Kidnap Plot, Neutralise Four Gunmen in Major Crackdown

Segun Atanda/

The Lagos State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against violent crime after operatives foiled a planned kidnap operation in Lagos and neutralised four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate linked to previous high-profile abductions in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing on the Command’s operational achievements for May 2026, where he said the Command remained “resolute and unwavering” in its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies.

According to the police boss, the foiled kidnap attempt occurred on May 24 at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo after operatives acted on credible intelligence concerning a gang allegedly targeting a prominent businessman.

Fatai said the suspects opened fire on police operatives on sighting them, leading to a fierce gun duel during which four members of the gang were neutralised, while another suspect escaped with gunshot wounds.

He revealed that the gang leader, identified simply as Ifeanyi, alias “Ifeko,” was allegedly linked to a notorious kidnapping network and reportedly trained Henry Asoona, described as the leader of the billionaire kidnappers earlier neutralised at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

Items recovered from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, an AK-47 rifle with magazines and live ammunition, an SMG rifle, and vehicle keys suspected to belong to intended victims. One police inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and is currently receiving treatment.

CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai celebrates victory over criminals in Lagos

The Commissioner said the Command also arrested a 57-year-old driver, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer, changing the vehicle documents and switching phone numbers to evade arrest. The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation.

In another operation, operatives recovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol from the residence of an alleged leader of the Aiye cult group in Igando following intelligence-led raids targeting cult-related activities.

The Command also announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at over ₦1 billion belonging to MEA Energy. Police said one of the principal suspects, Chibuzor Mogbo, was tracked and arrested in Delta State after fleeing Lagos. Cash and properties worth more than ₦300 million were reportedly recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend a female accomplice said to be on the run.

Fatai further disclosed that detectives uncovered a staged kidnap plot involving a scrap iron dealer and his accomplices who allegedly attempted to extort ₦1.5 million from the victim’s employer using a fake torture video. The suspects later confessed after investigators noticed inconsistencies in the video evidence. Police recovered ₦490,000 allegedly diverted by the suspect for personal use.

The Command also arrested two suspected car vandals in Bariga and recovered a Honda saloon car linked to the suspects. In a separate stop-and-search operation in Shasha, operatives intercepted a suspected armed robber in possession of a Taiwanese-made revolver pistol, live ammunition and a knife.

Police operatives equally recovered a locally-fabricated Beretta pistol abandoned by fleeing hoodlums who escaped on a motorcycle after attempting to rob residents in Ikola area of Lagos.

Overall, the Command said it arrested 10 suspects during the month under review and recovered several dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles, SMGs, revolvers, fabricated pistols, magazines, ammunition, axes and other items linked to criminal activities.

Fatai assured Lagos residents that the Command would sustain aggressive intelligence-driven policing and urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely information capable of preventing crime and aiding investigations.

“All suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the Commissioner stated.