LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt on high-net-worth individuals in the city.
The breakthrough operation, which occurred yesterday, Thursday, July 4, 2024, was announced during a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to Hundeyin, credible intelligence about a notorious gang planning to kidnap prominent individuals in Lagos was received two weeks prior.
Under the direction of Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, the Command’s tactical teams closely monitored the gang’s activities, eventually determining that the kidnappers would strike in the Ladipo area on the specified date.
The police laid a strategic ambush, resulting in a fierce shoot-out between the officers and the kidnappers.
The police’s superior firepower led to the neutralization of nine gang members, while two managed to escape with gunshot injuries.
The police recovered four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic 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—from the scene.
This operation marks the end of an eight-month-long pursuit of the gang, which had been responsible for multiple kidnappings in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas.
The Command assured Lagosians of their continued commitment to safety and security, highlighting several recent successes in disrupting other criminal activities, although not all were made public to protect informants’ identities.
The police urged the public, including medical practitioners, to report any individuals with gunshot injuries and to remain vigilant, reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency numbers.
SP Hundeyin concluded by encouraging well-meaning citizens to provide information to help the police act swiftly and effectively in safeguarding the community.
