The Lagos State Police Command has foiled a major kidnap attempt targeting a billionaire businessman and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.
The Command also recorded major breakthroughs in operations against violent crimes, cultism, armed robbery and organised criminal activities across the state in May 2026.
Recovered from the suspects were 11 firearms, including 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.
Police also recovered six magazines, 42 rounds of live ammunition, one dummy gun, one axe and other dangerous weapons believed to have been used for criminal operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing on the Command’s achievements for the month, describing the operations as a major victory against criminal elements terrorising parts of the state.
According to the police commissioner, 10 suspects linked to armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing and unlawful possession of firearms were arrested during separate operations. He added that operatives also recovered dangerous weapons, stolen vehicles and cash connected to criminal activities.
CP Tijani said the kidnapping gang specialised in targeting wealthy businessmen and allegedly had links to notorious kidnapping syndicates previously dismantled in Lagos.
“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.
“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,” he said.
The police commissioner added that an Inspector of Police sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and is currently receiving treatment.
CP Tijani further revealed that the Command 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.
According to him, 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.
The 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.
The commissioner further disclosed that detectives uncovered a staged kidnap operation allegedly orchestrated by a scrap iron dealer and his accomplices to fraudulently obtain ₦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,” he said.
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 Tijani assured residents that the Command would sustain aggressive intelligence-led policing and proactive crime-fighting operations to ensure criminals have no safe haven in Lagos 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 stated.
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.
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