In a major security breakthrough, the Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Adegoke Fayoade, announced the successful foiling of a high-profile kidnapping plot targeting wealthy individuals in the state.
During a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Friday, July 5, 2024, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that actionable intelligence had been received about a notorious gang planning to carry out abductions. The intelligence was gathered two weeks prior and indicated that the gang intended to strike in the Ladipo area on July 4.
CP Fayoade immediately directed the Command’s tactical teams to monitor the situation closely. The teams tracked the gang’s movements and laid a strategic ambush for them. When the kidnappers arrived, they were met with a prepared police force. Despite engaging in a shootout, the gang was overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police. Nine suspects were neutralized, while two others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Recovered from the scene were four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a POS machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles: a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350. The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Lagos State Police Command had been pursuing this gang for eight months, linking them to multiple kidnappings in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo. With this operation, their reign of terror has come to an end.
“This breakthrough is in addition to several other successes we have achieved recently in identifying and apprehending kidnappers and armed robbers,” said SP Hundeyin. “Many of these successes were not publicized to protect the identities of informants.”
The police urged medical practitioners to report anyone with gunshot wounds and called on the public to provide information about suspicious activities. “We promise to continue prioritizing the safety and security of Lagosians,” SP Hundeyin assured.
The Command’s prompt and decisive action showcases its commitment to maintaining law and order in Lagos State.