The Lagos Police Command has successfully foiled a kidnapping plot targeted at high net-worth individuals in the state.
This was disclosed by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, to journalists at a press briefing in Lagos.
He said the police, acting on credible intelligence received two weeks prior and ambushed the notorious gang in the Ladipo area on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
The operation, led by Commissioner of Police Adegoke Fayoade, resulted in a fierce shoot-out between the police and the kidnappers.
The gang, infamous for numerous kidnappings in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas, was overpowered by the police’s superior firepower.
Hundeyin said nine suspects were killed in the encounter, while two others escaped with gunshot injuries.
The police recovered an arsenal of weapons and equipment from the scene, including four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, and three walkie-talkies.
Additional items recovered included a POS machine, a loudspeaker, and two operational vehicles: a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350.
“This breakthrough is in addition to several other successes we have achieved recently in identifying and apprehending gangs of kidnappers and armed robbers while planning their crimes. Many of these were not made public to protect the identity of members of the public who provided the information,”
He urged the public, especially medical practitioners, to report anyone with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station. Hundeyin also called on Lagosians to remain vigilant and provide information about suspicious activities.
