Odita Sunday 
Lagos Police Neutralise Four Kidnap Suspects, Arrest 10 Criminals in May Crackdown
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, neutralising four suspected kidnappers, arresting 10 criminal suspects, recovering several firearms and vehicles, and foiling a planned abduction in different operations across the state in May 2026.
Addressing journalists during a monthly operational briefing, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said the command remained committed to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention to guarantee the safety of residents.
Fatai disclosed that within the period under review, operatives arrested 10 suspects linked to offences including armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing, unlawful possession of firearms, and staged kidnapping.
According to him, “within the period under review, the command arrested ten suspects and recovered a double-barrel pump action gun, three AK-47 rifles, two SMGs, one revolver pistol, one fabricated pistol, three locally-made pistols, six magazines, 42 rounds of live ammunition, one dummy gun, one TVS motorcycle, one axe and other dangerous weapons.”
The police boss said one of the most significant operations was the foiling of a kidnap attempt at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo on May 24, where operatives engaged a notorious kidnapping gang in a gun duel.
He said, “the operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of four members of the gang, while one suspect escaped with bullet wounds.”
Recovered from the scene were a Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 25 rounds of ammunition, an SMG rifle loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition, and vehicle keys believed to belong to intended victims.
The CP revealed that the gang was allegedly led by one Ifeanyi, also known as “Ifeko”, who reportedly travelled into Lagos from abroad to coordinate the operation.
Fatai further disclosed that an Inspector of Police sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving treatment.
In another operation, police operatives arrested a 57-year-old suspect, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan over the theft of a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer.
The command also arrested a suspected cult leader, Waliu Olaleye, during a raid on a criminal hideout in Igando, where officers recovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol concealed in the ceiling of his apartment.
On economic crimes, the CP said operatives arrested one Chibuzor Mogbo in connection with the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at over N1 billion.
According to him, “after twelve days of intensive investigation and follow-up operations, one of the principal suspects was arrested in Delta State where he fled to.”
He added that cash and properties worth over N300 million linked to the alleged crime were recovered.
The police command also uncovered a self-kidnapping plot involving a scrap dealer, Adamu Abdullahi, who allegedly collaborated with accomplices to extort N1.5 million from his employer.
“Investigation further revealed that the suspects intended to fraudulently obtain money from the victim’s employer,” the CP stated, adding that N490,000 diverted by the suspect was recovered.
Fatai reiterated that the command would sustain its aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state.
“The Command wishes to assure all Lagosians that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the state,” he said.
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