Police Foil Kidnapping Plot, Neutralize Nine Suspects in Lagos
The Lagos State Police Command successfully thwarted a kidnapping plot, neutralizing nine members of a notorious gang during an operation in Ladipo, Lagos.
The incident unfolded late Thursday night on Oloje Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, where residents initially feared a cult-related confrontation due to the intense gunfire. However, it was later revealed to be a strategic police operation against the kidnapping syndicate.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, detailed the operation in a statement released on Friday. According to Hundeyin, the command had received intelligence two weeks prior about the gang’s plan to abduct wealthy individuals in the area. Acting on this information, Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade mobilized the command’s tactical teams to monitor and intercept the gang’s activities.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence about two weeks ago, Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, directed the command’s tactical teams to commence work on it. They followed up closely, monitored dutifully, and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike yesterday in the Ladipo area of Lagos State,” Hundeyin said.
The police, armed with this critical intelligence, laid an ambush for the gang. The kidnappers, taken by surprise, engaged the officers in a fierce shootout but ultimately succumbed to the police’s superior firepower. Nine gang members were killed, while two others managed to escape with gunshot injuries. The police are currently pursuing the escaped suspects.
Hundeyin emphasized the significance of this operation, noting that the gang had been terrorizing wealthy individuals in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas for the past eight months. “We are proud to declare that their reign of terror has effectively come to an end,” he stated.
The police recovered a substantial cache of weapons and equipment from the suspects, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a Point of Service machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles – a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350.
This successful operation enables the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of its residents. The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining suspects and dismantle any remnants of the gang.
“If you see something, say something”.
