The Lagos State Police Command has finally dismantled a kidnapping ring linked to the 2024 bloody attack on Ladipo Market, Oshodi.

According to the police, the suspected gang leader, Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” was allegedly linked to previous kidnapping operations in the state.

The police further alleged that the suspect had ties to Henry Asoona, said to have led a notorious kidnapping gang whose members were killed during a police operation at the Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

Police said the suspects opened fire after sighting operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, at a press conference yesterday at his office in Ikeja, said the Force recorded major breakthroughs in its war against violent crimes, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and organised criminal activities, with the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations across the state in May 2026.

CP Fatai, who spoke on the Command’s achievements for the month, described the operations as a major victory against criminal elements terrorising parts of Lagos.

He said the Command arrested 10 suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing and unlawful possession of firearms, while operatives also recovered dangerous weapons, stolen vehicles and cash connected to criminal activities.

Among the weapons recovered were 11 firearms comprising three AK-47 rifles, two SMG rifles, one double-barrel pump-action gun, one revolver pistol, one short pistol, one fabricated Beretta pistol and three locally-made pistols.

He said the police also recovered six magazines, 42 rounds of live ammunition, one dummy gun, one axe and several dangerous weapons believed to have been used for criminal operations.

In one of the most dramatic operations during the period under review, police operatives foiled a planned kidnap operation targeting a businessman at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.

CP Fatai revealed that the gang specialised in targeting wealthy businessmen and allegedly had links to notorious kidnapping syndicates previously dismantled in Lagos.

He said: “Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed the area, but the suspects opened fire on sighting police officers, leading to a fierce gun battle.

“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 kidnappers were one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 25 rounds of live ammunition, one SMG rifle with one magazine loaded with 12 live rounds, a Toyota Sienna vehicle, and vehicle keys believed to belong to intended targets.

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

“The Command also recorded success in the investigation of a major fuel theft case involving the alleged diversion of Premium Motor Spirit valued at over ₦1.028 billion belonging to MEA Energy.

“Police operatives arrested one Chibuzor Mogbo in Delta State after intensive intelligence-led investigations and recovered cash and properties worth over ₦300 million linked to the crime.”

Efforts, according to the police, are ongoing to arrest a fleeing female accomplice.

In another breakthrough, a 57-year-old suspect, Akintayo Wasiu, was arrested in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace Space Bus belonging to his employer after reportedly changing the vehicle’s documents and phone number to evade arrest.

“Police also arrested an alleged leader of the Aiye cult group in Igando, where operatives recovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol concealed inside the ceiling of his apartment.

“Detectives further uncovered a staged kidnap operation allegedly orchestrated by a scrap iron dealer and his accomplices to fraudulently obtain a ₦1.5 million ransom from his employer.

“The suspects later confessed after investigations exposed inconsistencies in the alleged abduction story, while ₦490,000 diverted by the principal suspect was recovered.

“Police operatives also arrested suspected vehicle vandals in Bariga and intercepted a suspected armed robber in possession of a Taiwanese-made revolver pistol and live ammunition during a stop-and-search operation in Shasha.”

CP Fatai assured Lagos residents that the Command would sustain aggressive intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting operations to ensure criminals have no safe haven in the state.

“The Command remains resolute and unwavering in ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Lagos State. There will be no hiding place for criminal elements,” he said.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and prompt operational response, adding that all suspects arrested would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. (The Sun)

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