Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have killed four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly behind several high-profile abductions in Lagos after intelligence-led operatives intercepted the group during a planned kidnap operation in Ejigbo.
Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing on the Command’s operational achievements for May 2026, where he reiterated the resolve of the Command to combat violent crimes through proactive and intelligence-driven policing.
According to the police commissioner, the foiled kidnap attempt occurred on May 24 at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo after detectives received credible intelligence that a gang was planning to abduct a prominent businessman in the area.
Fatai said police operatives swiftly mobilised to the location, but the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“The Command remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention strategies,” the CP stated.
“On May 24, 2026, at about Jakande Estate Gate, Ejigbo, operatives of the Command acted on credible intelligence regarding a planned kidnapping operation targeting a prominent businessman in Lagos.
“On sighting the police team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a gun duel during which four members of the gang were neutralised, while one other suspect escaped with gunshot injuries,” he said.
The police boss identified the gang leader simply as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” describing him as a notorious criminal figure allegedly linked to several kidnapping operations within and outside Lagos State.
According to him, the suspect was also connected to Henry Asoona, described by police as the leader of the billionaire kidnappers previously neutralised at the Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.
“The gang leader, Ifeanyi, alias ‘Ifeko,’ is a notorious kidnapping kingpin linked to several high-profile abductions.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that he reportedly trained Henry Asoona, the leader of the billionaire kidnappers earlier neutralised by the police at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024,” Fatai disclosed.
Items recovered from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle allegedly used by the gang, an AK-47 rifle with loaded magazines, a submachine gun, live ammunition and several vehicle keys suspected to belong to intended victims.
The commissioner added that one police inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.
“Recovered from the suspects were one Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with magazines and live ammunition, one SMG rifle, and several vehicle keys suspected to belong to intended victims.
“One police inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and is currently responding to treatment,” he said.
The commissioner also highlighted several other operations carried out by the Command during the month under review, including the arrest of a 57-year-old driver, identified as Akintayo Wasiu, who allegedly stole his employer’s Toyota Hiace bus and altered the vehicle documents to evade arrest.
“In another case, a 57-year-old driver, Akintayo Wasiu, was arrested in Ibadan for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer.
“The suspect reportedly changed the vehicle particulars and switched phone numbers in an attempt to evade arrest before he was eventually tracked and apprehended. He confessed during interrogation,” the CP said.
Fatai further disclosed that operatives recovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol during a raid on the residence of an alleged leader of the Aiye cult group in Igando following intelligence reports on cult-related activities in the area.
The Command also announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the alleged diversion and theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at over ₦1 billion belonging to MEA Energy.
According to the commissioner, the principal suspect, identified as Chibuzor Mogbo, was tracked and arrested in Delta State after fleeing Lagos.
“One Chibuzor Mogbo, linked to the alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit worth over ₦1 billion belonging to MEA Energy, was tracked and arrested in Delta State after fleeing Lagos.
“Cash and properties valued at over ₦300 million were recovered during the operation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest a female accomplice currently on the run,” he added.
In another development, detectives uncovered what police described as a staged kidnap plot involving a scrap iron dealer and his accomplices who allegedly attempted to extort ₦1.5 million from the victim’s employer using a fake torture video.
Fatai said investigators became suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in the video evidence presented by the suspects.
“Investigations later revealed that the alleged kidnap was staged. The suspects attempted to extort ₦1.5 million from the victim’s employer using a fabricated torture video.
“They eventually confessed after detectives noticed inconsistencies in the footage. A total of ₦490,000 diverted by the suspects was recovered,” he stated.
The commissioner also disclosed that operatives arrested two suspected car vandals in Bariga and recovered a Honda saloon car linked to the suspects.
He added that a suspected armed robber was intercepted during a stop-and-search operation in Shasha, where police recovered a Taiwanese-made revolver pistol, live ammunition and a knife from the suspect.
In Ikola area of Lagos, police operatives also recovered a locally-fabricated Beretta pistol abandoned by hoodlums who fled on a motorcycle after attempting to rob residents.
Overall, the Command said 10 suspects were arrested during the month under review, while several dangerous weapons and items linked to criminal activities were recovered.
“Overall, the Command arrested 10 suspects and recovered several dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles, SMGs, revolvers, fabricated pistols, magazines, live ammunition, axes and other incriminating items.
“All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations,” Fatai said.
The commissioner urged Lagos residents to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information capable of preventing crimes and aiding ongoing investigations across the state.
