Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 10 suspects in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and arrested 10 suspects involved in armed robbery, cultism, vehicle theft, and other violent crimes across the state. The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements for May 2026, noting that the operations were driven […]

The Lagos State Police Command said it has foiled a kidnapping attempt and arrested 10 suspects involved in armed robbery, cultism, vehicle theft, and other violent crimes across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s achievements for May 2026, noting that the operations were driven by intelligence-led policing.
He said the command also recovered firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other dangerous weapons during the period under review.
According to him, a major breakthrough was recorded on May 24, 2026, when operatives foiled a planned kidnapping at Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.
He said four suspects were neutralised during a gun duel, while one escaped with gunshot injuries. Recovered items include a Toyota Sienna, an AK-47 rifle with magazines and live ammunition, an SMG rifle, and vehicle keys believed to belong to intended victims.
Fatai said an inspector sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is receiving treatment.
He added that a suspected gang leader, identified as Ifeanyi (aka Ifeko), is linked to previous kidnapping operations in Lagos.
In another operation, police arrested Akintayo Wasiu, 57, in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer in Lagos.
He said the command also recovered a locally made double-barrel pistol from the residence of a suspected cult leader, Waliu Olaleye, during a raid in Igando.
“Similarly, Chibuzor Mogbo was arrested over alleged theft of Premium Motor Spirit worth over N1 billion, with recovery of cash and properties valued at over N300 million,” he said.
Fatai also disclosed the arrest of suspects involved in a staged kidnapping scheme aimed at extorting N1.5 million from a victim’s employer, with N490,000 recovered.
Other arrests include suspected vehicle vandals in Bariga, an armed robbery suspect in Shasha, and recovery of a fabricated pistol abandoned by fleeing hoodlums in Ikola.
He assured residents of sustained operations against criminal elements and said all suspects will be charged to court after investigations.