The Lagos State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, has thwarted a planned kidnapping operation by a notorious gang of criminals.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operation culminated in a fierce confrontation yesterday in the Ladipo area of Lagos State.
The breakthrough came after intensive intelligence gathering efforts revealed that a gang of kidnappers, known for targeting high net-worth individuals across several neighborhoods in Lagos, was planning a major abduction.
Acting swiftly on credible information received two weeks ago, CP Fayoade directed tactical teams to initiate surveillance and preparation efforts.
“With the benefit of precise intelligence, we were able to proactively prepare and essentially lay an ambush for the gang,” SP Hundeyin stated. “The kidnappers, caught off guard, engaged our officers in a shootout but eventually succumbed to the superior firepower of the police.”
During the operation, nine suspects were neutralized while two managed to escape with gunshot wounds. The police recovered a cache of weapons including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, one POS machine, and a loudspeaker.
Additionally, the gang’s operational vehicles—a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350—were seized by the authorities.
“This gang had been under our radar for the past eight months due to their involvement in numerous kidnapping incidents in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas,” SP Hundeyin confirmed. “We are pleased to announce that their reign of terror has come to an end.”
The Commissioner of Police expressed gratitude to the public for their support in providing crucial information and assured that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. He urged medical practitioners and the public at large to be vigilant for individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds and to report such cases promptly to law enforcement.
“We call on all Lagosians to continue partnering with us by reporting any suspicious activities,” SP Hundeyin added. “Your vigilance plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and security of our communities.”
