Lagos Police Burst Kidnappers Gang, Arrest 10 Suspects, Recover Arms

The Lagos State Police Command has recorded major security breakthroughs in May 2026, including the foiling of a kidnap attempt, the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers, the arrest of 10 suspects, and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles and other items linked to criminal operations across the state. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this during a press briefing on the Command’s activities for the month under review, attributing the successes to sustained intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations and coordinated crime prevention strategies.

According to him, operatives on May 24, 2026, successfully foiled a planned kidnapping operation in the Jakande Estate Gate area of Ejigbo after receiving credible intelligence about a gang allegedly targeting a businessman in the area.

He said police operatives came under heavy gunfire when they moved in on the suspects, resulting in a fierce exchange during which four members of the gang were neutralised, while one suspect escaped with gunshot wounds.

A police officer was also injured in the leg during the operation and is currently receiving treatment.

Recovered from the scene were an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, a submachine gun with loaded magazines, a Toyota Sienna vehicle, and several vehicle keys believed to belong to stolen cars used by the gang.

 

The Command also announced the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect in Ibadan, Oyo State, who allegedly stole a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to his employer and attempted to alter the vehicle’s documents to evade detection. The bus was eventually recovered after sustained tracking operations.

In another intelligence-led operation, police operatives recovered a locally fabricated firearm from the residence of a suspected cult leader in the Igando area of Lagos following surveillance linked to cult-related activities.

The police further disclosed the arrest of a suspect connected to a petroleum theft case valued at over ₦1 billion.

The suspect, who was tracked to Delta State, reportedly confessed during interrogation and led investigators to the recovery of assets and cash valued at more than ₦300 million.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend another suspect currently at large.

In a separate case, detectives uncovered a staged kidnapping plot involving a scrap dealer who allegedly conspired with accomplices to fake his own abduction in a bid to extort ₦1.5 million from his employer.

Investigations revealed that the suspects recorded a video of the fake abduction before later confessing after detectives identified inconsistencies in their claims.

Meanwhile, two suspected vehicle vandals were arrested in Bariga following an alarm raised by residents, while a stolen Toyota

Sienna and other exhibits were recovered.
In another stop-and-search operation along Shasha Road, operatives intercepted a vehicle containing a loaded revolver pistol and a knife.

The Command also recovered a locally fabricated firearm abandoned by fleeing suspects in Ikola after a reported robbery attempt. The suspects reportedly fled on sighting police operatives, abandoning both a motorcycle and the weapon.

The police leadership assured residents that the Command remains committed to sustaining aggressive patrols, surveillance and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across Lagos State.

It added that all suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance public safety.

  

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Police Burst 'One Chance' Gang In Okota, Arrest 6 Suspects

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested six suspected members of a “One Chance” robbery syndicate allegedly terrorising commuters along Ago Palace Way in the Okota area of Lagos.

The suspects were arrested during a stop-and-search operation conducted by police operatives along Ago Palace Way.

According to the police in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi on Sunday, a tricycle with registration number AAA 720 QL carrying about six occupants was intercepted while the occupants were allegedly attempting to rob commuters.

Police said the suspects abandoned the tricycle and fled immediately after spotting officers at the scene.

Items recovered during the operation include: a cutlass allegedly used in carrying out the robberies and a mobile phone.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the six suspects identified as Basiru Rilwan, 23; Afeez Akeem, 25; Ademola Yekeen, 20; Sodipo Oyeyemi, 27; Ayomide Gafar; and Fabayo Michael, 28.

The police further disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of a dummy pistol allegedly used to intimidate victims during operations.

The command said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The statement added that the Lagos State Police Command, under Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai, remains committed to proactive policing measures aimed at curbing crime and ensuring the safety of residents.

The command also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.

  

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Navy Commander Visits Oba Of Lagos Ahead Of Anniversary Celebration

The Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, has paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, at his palace in Isale Eko ahead of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Speaking during the visit on Wednesday, Adams-Aliu stated that the milestone represents a significant moment in the history of the service.

He said the visit was part of preparatory engagements for the week-long celebration scheduled for May 29 to June 4, 2026, and also served as a formal invitation to the Lagos monarch to participate in the anniversary events.

“Marking seven decades of maritime operations, national defence and regional security engagement, the Navy remains committed to strengthening cooperation with traditional institutions, particularly in coastal communities where maritime security and economic activities are closely linked,” he said.

Adams-Aliu stressed the importance of collaboration with local leaders in maintaining safety within Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“However, our partnerships with community leaders remain critical in addressing security concerns within the maritime domain and in sustaining public trust in naval operations,” he stated.

He said the anniversary celebration is expected to feature ceremonial parades, community outreach programmes, and an International Fleet Review at the Eko Atlantic waterfront.

“It will also highlight the Navy’s operational achievements and long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.

“The event is expected to attract senior military officers, foreign naval delegations, government officials, and maritime stakeholders from across the country,” he added.

In his response, the Oba of Lagos commended the Nigerian Navy for its efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters and ensuring security along the coastline.

The monarch expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged support for ongoing security initiatives.

“We will continue to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and unity within the maritime sector,” the monarch said.

 

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Customs, NDLEA Intercept Over N16 Billion Worth Of Cannabis At Tincan Island Port

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Command, has collaborated with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to intercept 8,347 packages of cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kilogrammes, with an estimated street value of N16.694bn, at the Tincan Island Port.

This comes weeks after operatives of both agencies recorded a similar seizure at the command.

Speaking while displaying the seized drugs to journalists at the port on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Frank Onyeka, said the successful interception followed credible intelligence jointly gathered by the NCS and NDLEA.

He explained that officers of the Enforcement Units of the command intercepted a 40-foot container marked HAMU 247034/8 and subjected it to thorough physical examination following credible intelligence reports jointly gathered by both agencies, which led to the discovery of the illicit drugs.

The CAC disclosed that the container, which originated from Canada, “was found to contain 8,347 packages of cannabis indica weighing 4,173.5 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N16.694bn.”

Onyeka noted that the seizure represented a deliberate attempt by criminal syndicates to undermine national security and endanger the lives of Nigerians, especially young people.

“This is not just another seizure. This represents a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to jeopardise national security, endanger lives, and profit from the destruction of our hardworking young men and women.

Thankfully, due to the vigilance and professionalism of our officers and partner agencies, that consignment will not get to the streets,” Onyeka stated.

He stressed that the command would intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering, and sustain collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies to prevent Nigerian ports from being used for illegal importation.

The Tincan Island Command boss vowed that individuals and insiders aiding criminal activities at the ports would be identified, traced, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Onyeka commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, for fostering the partnership and intelligence-sharing framework between both agencies in the fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking.

Receiving the seized drugs on behalf of the NDLEA, the Director of Seaport Operations, Ibinabo Abia, described the interception as a major victory against transnational criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.

She said the recovered substances had tested positive for cannabis indica and would undergo legal forfeiture procedures in line with the law.

Abia revealed that the successful operation was the outcome of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

According to her, the container originated from Toronto, Canada, before passing through Montreal and Tanger Med Port en route to Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. She added that traffickers deliberately changed routes multiple times in a bid to evade security monitoring before the consignment was eventually intercepted on arrival in Nigeria.

The NDLEA official praised the professionalism and resilience of officers of the NCS, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other security agencies involved in the operation.

She further noted that the latest seizure followed recent interceptions of 4,729 kilograms of cannabis indica on April 27 and another 610.5 kilograms on April 30, 2026, highlighting the growing success of intelligence-driven anti-narcotics operations at the nation’s seaports.

  

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How NSCDC Busted A Human Trafficking Gang In Badagry And Rescued 17 Foreigners

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered a suspected human trafficking and fraud syndicate operating in Badagry, Lagos, under the guise of a network marketing business, rescuing 17 victims and arresting four suspects.

The victims, mostly foreign nationals from West and Central Africa, were allegedly lured into Nigeria with promises of better job opportunities, only to be detained, extorted, and forced into a fraudulent internet-based scheme identified as QNET.

The Commandant of the Lagos State NSCDC Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, while parading the suspects and victims at the Badagry Divisional Office on Monday, said the raid followed a report by a victim of the syndicate.

The victim, a national of the Central African Republic, had reported an experience of “deception, extortion, unlawful detention, human rights abuses, human trafficking and fraud by a syndicate operating at Torikoh, Badagry and other locations under the guise of a network marketing business.”

He raised the alarm after claiming he had been deceived by a Facebook acquaintance, Lansu Alex, a Togolese national.

“I was told there was a better job opportunity in Nigeria. But when I arrived, I was forced into a fraudulent internet marketing scheme.

“My phone and power bank were seized, my SIM cards destroyed, and I was detained in the camp. A sum of N10,000 was then handed over to me to cater for my feeding until I was able to source the money needed to register for the supposed business,” he alleged.

Acting on the report, Keshinro said intelligence suggested that the syndicate operated multiple camps across Badagry, including Aradagun, Mowo, Badagry Town, and Limca, with foreign recruits continuously being deceived into the country under false pretences.

During the operation, Keshinro said four suspects, including three Togolese nationals and one Beninese, were arrested, while 17 victims, comprising 12 males and five females, were rescued.

The NSCDC said its investigations revealed that recruits were allegedly required to pay about 650,000 CFA as registration fees before participating in the scheme, which was reportedly structured as a pyramid-style network with promises of product shipments from Malaysia.

“Further investigation into this operation has also revealed that intending members of this fraudulent internet scheme are mandated to pay the sum of 650,000 CFA as registration fee before they are allowed to participate in the business and thereafter select the products of their choice, which are allegedly suspected to be shipped from Malaysia into Nigeria through a yet-to-be-verified channel with a view to operating an uplines and downlines marketing system.

“It was also gathered that some new business recruits travelling from various African countries are currently on their way to Nigeria because they want to join the supposed profitable scheme. Also, prospective recruits were usually deceived into Nigeria through false pretences and promises that life is better and more profitable in Nigeria,” Keshinro disclosed.

Keshinro, who was represented by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluwaseun Abolurin, said the victims were subjected to extortion and inhumane treatment while being given minimal stipends under coercive conditions.

“Operatives acted swiftly on actionable intelligence and stormed the camp where victims were being held under inhumane conditions,” he said.

“Acting on credible intelligence and the distress report, operatives of the NSCDC Badagry Division stormed a camp located at Torikoh in a coordinated operation on Thursday, May 7, 2026.

“The operatives swung into action in a combat-ready but tactically coordinated operation and recorded the arrest of four male suspects — three Togolese and one Beninese — while 17 victims comprising 12 males and five females were rescued. The names of suspects and victims were withheld.”

Recovered exhibits included an HP laptop, QNET-branded documents, mobile phones, leather bags, files, and other items believed to have been used in the operation of the syndicate.

The command further disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe operatives with 130,000 CFA, which was rejected and recovered as evidence.

“The perpetrators of these heinous crimes, in a sinister move, again decided to bribe the Badagry operatives of the corps with a sum of 130,000 CFA, but it was rejected and recovered as part of the exhibits linked to the crime,” Keshinro said.

Keshinro warned perpetrators of human trafficking, fraud, and economic sabotage to desist or face prosecution.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid involvement in fraudulent schemes promising unrealistic returns or overseas opportunities.

The commandant added that investigations were ongoing to identify collaborators, dismantle additional camps, and determine the full extent of the network’s operations.

He confirmed that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution.

“We will not tolerate any form of human trafficking, illegal migration, or economic sabotage. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Recall that last month, in the same Badagry area of Lagos, operatives of the NSCDC busted a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado area of Badagry.

The operation led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children.

The victims, between the ages of 18 and 30, were said to have subscribed to the facility through an offer on Facebook.

The pregnant women, upon delivery, allegedly had their children sold and were paid between N500,000 and N1.8 million.

It was also revealed that some of the pregnant women came to the centre with children and infants who were also put up for sale to willing buyers.

  

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How Police Rescued Four Children From Kidnappers At Coker-Orile

Four children have been rescued from suspected kidnappers by the Lagos State Police Command at Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of the state. The children were swiftly reunited with their families following the intervention of a police patrol team .

The command said that on May 8, 2026, at about 11:40 p.m., officers on routine patrol in the area spotted four children with an unidentified woman attempting to board a luxury bus leaving Lagos State. On sighting the police, the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the children had allegedly been abducted from the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos and were being moved out of the state under the cover of darkness before the police intervened.

The children were placed in protective custody while efforts were made to trace their families. After their parents were contacted, the four children were safely reunited with them.

The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover other individuals connected to the crime.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tijani Fatai, commended the alertness and professionalism of the patrol officers involved in the rescue operation and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety and whereabouts of their children at all times and to promptly report suspicious movements, persons or activities involving children to the nearest police station or security agency for immediate action.

Fatai also encouraged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, while urging members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities capable of threatening public peace and security through the command’s emergency lines.

  

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NSCDC Takes Anti-Cultism Campaign To Lagos Schools

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, has warned pupils of Guided Path School against cultism, bullying, and other social vices to promote school safety and security awareness.

This is contained in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Oluwaseun Abolurin, on Thursday in Lagos.

Abolurin said the State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, gave the warning during a sensitisation visit and interactive session held at the NSCDC State Command Headquarters, Alausa, Lagos.

He said Keshinro reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the safety of school children, teachers, and host communities.

“The commandant noted that the corps remains dedicated to protecting educational environments across the state,” Abolurin said.

According to the spokesperson, the NSCDC is working through strategic collaboration with stakeholders under the Safe School Initiative to ensure a secure learning environment for pupils and students.

He said the command hosted 17 pupils and three teachers on a field trip to expose them to the corps’ operations and educate them on citizenship and security awareness.

He added that the pupils were sensitised on school safety, the statutory roles of the NSCDC, and the importance of discipline within and outside the school environment.

“They were also educated on the dangers of cultism, bullying, smoking, harassment, assault, and other social vices, with officials advising them to shun behaviours that could endanger their future,” he said.

Abolurin said the session featured presentations by officials of the command, including the Head of Safe School and Legal Unit, Assistant Commandants Helen Gady and Adebimpe Bada.

He said they explained the functions, structure, and responsibilities of the corps.

The image maker said pupils and teachers also participated in an interactive session, asking questions and receiving clarifications on NSCDC operations, history, and uniforms.

He said the Director of Guided Pathway School, Mrs Lasaki Rizqah, expressed appreciation to the command, describing the engagement as impactful and educational.

“Rizqah noted that the visit enhanced pupils’ understanding of school safety, civic responsibility, and national security,” he said.

Abolurin said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to promote public awareness and strengthen collaboration between security agencies and educational institutions in the state.

NAN

  

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Nigerians Have The Legal Right To Film And Record Police Officers On Duty - Lagos CP Tijani Fatai

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has affirmed that the public have the legal right to film and record police officers on duty. The CP also used the opportunity to warn officers not to search citizens’ phones.

He further encouraged officers to adopt similar transparency by documenting their own operations while on duty.

“You can record the officers when you are stopped, and they can also record you,” Fatai said in a video post that has now gone viral.

The move aims to improve transparency and accountability in the police force.

It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, had earlier this year, affirmed the constitutional rights of Nigerians to record police officers conducting stop-and-search operations in public spaces.

Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa gave the pronouncement while delivering judgement on Tuesday in an enforcement of a fundamental rights suit marked FHC/WR/CS/87/2025, filed by a lawyer, Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo.

The judge also maintained that “police officers must wear visible name tags, display their force numbers, and refrain from harassing, intimidating, arresting, or confiscating devices from citizens who record their actions”.

Uwaifo had filed the suit following an encounter with police officers along the Sapele Roundabout while travelling from Benin to Warri on May 10, 2025.

He had sought a judicial pronouncement on the constitutionality of police officers conducting stop-and-search operations without visible name tags and force numbers, as well as the right of citizens to record such officers.

Defendants in the suit were the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In the suit, Uwaifo asked the court to declare that Nigerians are entitled, under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, to freely express themselves, including recording the conduct of law enforcement agents performing public duties.

He also sought a declaration that it is unlawful for police officers to seize devices, arrest, or threaten citizens recording their activities.

The plaintiff had sought, among other reliefs, the following: “A declaration that the acts of police officers engaging in patrols, stop-and-search operations, and other public interactions without wearing uniforms that visibly display their names and force numbers is unconstitutional, illegal, and a breach of Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution and the Police Act.

“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, their agents, officers, or privies from further engaging in stop-and-search or checkpoint operations without ensuring all operatives wear uniforms bearing their full names and force numbers. An order directing the 1st to 3rd respondents to issue clear directives and training guidelines to all officers of the Nigeria Police Force, affirming the public’s right to record and report police activities conducted in public spaces, including at checkpoints and during stop-and-search.

“An order mandating the 2nd and 3rd respondents to discipline any officer found to have acted in breach of this right. An order mandating the 3rd respondent (Police Service Commission) to issue a circular requiring all officers on public engagement duties to wear full uniforms with identification, and to initiate disciplinary action against any defaulters.

“The sum of N80,000,000 as general and exemplary damages against the respondents for repeated infringements of the rights of the applicant and members of the public.”

The AGF was represented by Babatunde Ajajogun and D.O. Tarfa.

Justice Nganjiwa, while delivering judgment in the matter, held that “Nigerians have the constitutional right to record police officers performing their duties in public”.

The judge also ruled that “officers must wear visible name tags and display force numbers or proper identification during public operations”.

The judge said, “It’s s unlawful for police to harass, intimidate, arrest, or seize devices from citizens recording them”.

The judge then awarded N5,000,000 in damages for violation of fundamental rights and N2,000,000 for the cost of litigation.

Lagosians have commended CP Tijani Fatai for giving a voice to the court’s ruling. Harassment of Lagosians by police officers at checkpoints is rampant and persistent, with Lagos State Police Command consistently topping the list of complaints across Nigeria. Despite frequent bans on unprofessional stop-and-search tactics, extortion, and illegal searches of mobile phones, reports of abuse—including harassment, physical assault, and bribery—have continued to surface regularly in the state.

  

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Navy Intercept Three Stowaway Suspects Off Lagos Coast

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted and rescued three suspected stowaways aboard the merchant vessel MSC STELLA (IMO No. 9279988) off the Lagos Fairway Buoy in efforts to strengthen maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.

The piece of information is in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Monday in Abuja.

Folorunsho stated that the operation was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT following credible intelligence from the Western Regional Control Centre (WRCC) at about 5.05 p.m. on April 19.

He said the Quick Response Team deployed from Tarkwa Bay successfully rescued the suspects about five nautical miles off the Lagos coastline.

He indicated that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects illegally boarded the vessel at about 1am on April 17 while it was berthed at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

He identified the individuals as Aguru Michael (27), a national of Benin Republic; Soye Monday (25), from Ondo State; and Kentobou Peter (22), from Delta.

He said that the suspects intended to stow away to Europe.

The director noted that the operation underscored navy’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and curbing irregular migration within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He recalled previous successful search-and-rescue missions, including the rescue of seven persons following a maritime collision in Bayelsa, and the rescue and handover of three foreign stowaways aboard MT ANATOLIA in March 2026.

He added that “the suspects are currently in the custody of NNS BEECROFT undergoing investigation and administrative processing in line with extant laws.

“The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to maritime safety, security and continuous surveillance of Nigeria’s territorial waters.”

  

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How Armed Men Invaded Ojo In Broad Daylight, Robbing And Looting ,

Residents and shop owners in Ojo area were thrown into panic on Friday after a gang of armed men attacked shops and dispossessed passersby of their valuables along LASU Road.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at about 11 am in the Iyana School and First Gate areas of the community.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants, who were about 15 in number, were heavily armed with guns and machetes.

A resident of the area who identified himself simply as Omowunmi said while some people ran for safety, others were not as lucky as they were robbed in the process.

She said, “We did not know where they emerged from; we just saw them all dressed in black and displaying different weapons, including guns and machetes.

“Some of them also wore nose masks. They started from First Gate down towards Iyana School. They were approaching people randomly while people ran for safety.”

Another eyewitness, who did not want his name in print due to security reasons, said the gang also stormed several shops, including a popular supermarket in the area, carting away goods and cash.

“While the robbery and assault were ongoing, some traders quickly locked up their shops, while others abandoned their businesses and ran for safety. They entered some of the shops, including a supermarket, and took away goods and cash,” the source added.

Residents in the area lamented that the hoodlums carried out the operation for several minutes unchallenged.

They also explained that there was no immediate security intervention despite the closeness of a police station to the location where the incident occurred.

“First, we were surprised that such an incident was happening in broad daylight. More worrisome is the fact that the operation lasted for several minutes without police intervention.

“A police station is just about three minutes away from where the incident happened, and no officer was in sight while the boys continued robbing,” a resident, Pius Oleme, said.

Oleme said business owners now operate in fear of a possible return of the armed gang to the area after the incident.

An X user, @ThatOjoBoy, posted a video of the incident, in which one of the armed men, wielding a machete, was seen harassing passersby while also trying to catch up with passengers in a commercial bus.

“A lady captured this video yesterday, crying and begging the bus driver to move as armed men with cutlasses and guns stormed Iyana School in broad daylight along LASU Road, Ojo, Lagos,” he wrote.

When contacted for a reaction on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the incident stemmed from a clash between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in an attempted takeover of a bus park in the community. She added that this was later hijacked by hoodlums.

“It was the National Union of Road Transport Workers that was fighting. A section wanted to take over the park in the area, while the other section confronted them. We were able to take charge of the situation, but hoodlums took advantage at the 1st gate area. One person was arrested and handed over to Command Special Squad 1.”.

  

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Teenager Arrested While Trying To Collect N20 Million Ransom At Ojokoro

An 18-year-old suspect arrested while attempting to collect a N20 million ransom was among 47 persons nabbed by the Lagos State Police Command in operations across the state.

Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai made this known during a press conference at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, where exhibits recovered from various crime scenes were displayed.

The arrests, he said, were linked to offences including armed robbery, cultism, conspiracy, stealing, threat to life and unlawful possession of firearms.

CP Fatai added that the Command recorded a hitch-free Easter celebration, with no major security breach, attributing the development to proactive deployment of personnel and collaboration with other security agencies and residents.

According to him, items recovered during the operations include 14 firearms, comprising 10 locally made guns and four pump-action rifles, 96 rounds of 5.2mm ammunition, 29 live cartridges and one expended cartridge, 14 vehicles, two laptops, 29 mobile phones and a flash drive.

Giving details of the suspect, Fatai said the teenager, identified as Israel Osanwuta, was arrested on March 27 during a decoy following a complaint from Ojokoro Local Council Development Area over threat to life and demand for N20 million.

“He was apprehended about 10:55pm while attempting to collect the ransom. Recovered from him were an HP laptop and a flash drive. The suspect has confessed to the crime and admitted involvement in a previous attempted burglary at a commercial bank,” the CP said.

In another operation, police arrested a suspected armed robber, Jamiu Yahaya, also known as “Elesin,” in Amukoko. A local pistol, two live cartridges and charms were recovered from him.

A 23-year-old suspected cultist, Sunday Daniel, was also arrested in Ajegunle, with a local pistol recovered. The suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the Aiye confraternity.

Fatai further said 21 suspected cultists were apprehended at a hotel in Ajao Estate during a birthday gathering for a wanted gang member known as “Actor,” who is at large. Recovered items include a cut-to-size gun, cult-branded items, a laptop and 23 mobile phones.

The commissioner also disclosed the arrest of five members of a car theft syndicate, with a Toyota Sienna and Toyota Camry recovered, as well as three suspects involved in vehicle vandalisation.

He said a suspect, Adedayo Bello, 52, was arrested for allegedly concealing a firearm and ammunition inside a pillow, with 96 rounds of ammunition recovered.

Fatai added that three suspects linked to the vandalisation of vehicles in a Lekki estate were arrested, while four others were nabbed in connection with armed robbery in Ikotun and Egbeda.

He also announced the arrest of a 62-year-old alleged serial fraudster, Robert Smith, accused of defrauding a microfinance bank of N130 million. Six vehicles valued at over N520 million were recovered from him.

Other arrests were made in Iba, Egbin, Ogba and Ifako-Ijaiye, where suspected robbers and cultists were apprehended, alongside the recovery of illicit drugs and additional firearms.

Fatai said all suspects would be charged to court after investigations

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information to the police.

  

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Ikeja Court Sentences Man To Life Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting A Six-Month Old Baby

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday convicted and sentenced a man, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s six-month-old baby.

While delivering judgement, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge said the circumstantial evidence presented before the court was compelling and clearly pointed to the convict’s guilt, noting that Dickson’s attempts to distance himself from the crime were unconvincing.

Oshodi observed that the convict lacked credibility, as his testimony in court contradicted his earlier statement to the police.

“In your extra-judicial statement, you admitted carrying the child but denied penetrating her. However, in your oral testimony before this court, you denied ever carrying the child and instead alleged that the child’s mother fabricated the accusation because you rejected her sexual advances,” the judge said.

He added that the convict showed no remorse and chose instead to fabricate allegations against the child’s mother.

The judge who held that the victim was extremely vulnerable, recounted how the child’s mother testified that Dickson took the naked baby from her potty while she was outside washing clothes, carried her into his room, shut the door, and assaulted her by inserting his finger in her vagina.

He said, “The victim in this case is an infant of six months old, among the most defenceless human beings in existence, and her mother testified before this court how you carried her naked child from her potty while she was washing clothes outside.”

“You betrayed the trust reposed in you. The child cried throughout but could not speak or call for help,” the judge said.

The court stressed the need to protect society and deter similar crimes, describing the act as “animalistic”.

“I hereby sentence you, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment,” Oshodi ruled, adding that the convict would serve the term at a maximum-security custodial centre.

The court also ordered that Dickson be registered as a sex offender under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

When the convict was arraigned on June 20, 2022, he pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the Lagos state government.

The court ordered that he should be remanded in a correctional centre until the commencement of trial.

  

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Lagos Police Command Dismisses Threats Of Impending Cult Clash Around Surulere Axis As Mere Rumours

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed widespread rumours of an impending cult clash in parts of Lagos, describing the claims as false and urging residents to remain calm.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the command had taken proactive steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order in areas mentioned in the viral message.

Adebisi said the alert had referenced locations including Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda and the Ishaga area, all located at the Surulere axis, allegedly in connection with a retaliatory attack.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that it has taken proactive and decisive measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the affected areas and beyond,” she said.

According to the police, personnel and operational assets were immediately deployed to the identified locations and surrounding communities following the initial report.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, also ordered intensified security measures across the areas.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified patrols, strategic positioning of officers, and increased police visibility across the identified flashpoints to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the statement said.

The command maintained that the affected areas are secure, with adequate security presence to deter unlawful activities.

Reassuring residents, the police said there was no cause for alarm.

“Residents are encouraged to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension, as the Police and other security agencies remain fully on ground and committed to maintaining peace and order,” the statement read.

The command also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic, urging the public to rely on official sources for updates.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies through designated emergency lines.

  

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Lagos Police Command Supports Families Of Fallen Officers With N53.3 Million

Families of police officers who died in active service, on Thursday, received cheques totalling ₦53.3 million from the Lagos State Police Command under the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme.

The presentation, which formed a major highlight of activities marking Day 4 of the 2026 National Police Day, was held alongside a security stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening community partnership in crime prevention.

Presenting the cheques, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said the gesture reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of families of officers who paid the supreme price.

According to him, “This is a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of families of our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke at the event, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Police Command.

One of them, who preferred anonymity, said, “This support means a lot to us. It will go a long way in helping our families cope with the loss and challenges we face.”

Another beneficiary added, “We are grateful that the police have not forgotten us. This assistance gives us hope and relief.”

Earlier, at the stakeholders’ meeting aimed at deepening collaboration between the police and the public, CP Fatai commended participants, including members of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC; Eminent Persons Forum; community and religious leaders; as well as representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, for their continued support.

He said, “Effective policing cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the public. We must continue to work together to prevent crime and ensure the safety of lives and property.”

“We urge members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities. Timely information remains critical in maintaining peace and order,” he added.

The CP also identified cultism and electoral violence as major concerns, assuring that the Command would continue to adopt intelligence-led policing and leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness.

“We are not relenting in our efforts to tackle cultism and electoral violence. We will continue to deploy proactive strategies to address these challenges,” he said.

  

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Police Burst Internet Fraudsters Gang In Lekki, Arrest Three Members With Counterfeit Dollars, Other Incriminating Items

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested three alleged members of a cybercrime syndicate and recovered suspected counterfeit $100 notes and other incriminating items.

The suspects, Tega Emmanuel, 24; Jacob Olatunde, 33, and Gift Okubakpere, 36, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation along the Lekki-Ajah axis of Lagos.

Police said Emmanuel was first intercepted on Chevron Drive while driving a Porsche. A search of his residence later led to the arrest of the two other suspects.

During interrogation, Emmanuel reportedly confessed to coordinating cyber fraud, including romance scams and creation of fraudulent accounts. 

Olatunde allegedly handled financial transactions and collection of illicit proceeds, while Okubakpere managed cryptocurrency-related scams carried out through Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram and online banking platforms.

Items recovered from the suspects include three HP laptops, one Apple MacBook, two MacBook tablets, nine iPhones, six international passports, vehicle and dealer number plates. 

Others are military camouflage, a mini printer, a toy pistol, 98 pieces of suspected counterfeit $100 notes, and substances suspected to be Cannabis. 

Police said investigations were ongoing to verify the suspected counterfeit currency and drugs, while efforts were underway to arrest other members of the syndicate.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, assured that the suspects would be prosecuted at the end of investigations, adding that efforts were one to apprehend fleeing members of the gang. 

  

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Customs Auctions 595 Jerry-Cans Of Smuggled Petrol In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone ‘A’, under Operation Whirlwind, intercepted 595 jerrycans of 25 litres of smuggled petroleum products at multiple locations spanning Lagos and key flashpoints in Ogun State, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and the Seme-Badagry corridor.

Acting on directives from Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, the seized fuel has been auctioned to the public at N10,000 per 25-litre jerrycan, in a bid to dismantle criminal networks undermining national security and economic stability.

Speaking at the Customs Training School in Ikeja, Lagos, the national coordinator of the operation, Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the contraband was intercepted over the past four weeks through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and intensified enforcement along major smuggling routes.

Aliyu emphasized that the seizures aim to protect the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and prevent petroleum products meant for local consumption from being diverted abroad. He noted that the border corridors at Owode, Seme, and Badagry remain critical economic arteries.

The duty-paid value of the seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) stands at ₦14,875,000.50.

Operation Whirlwind, he said,  is a targeted anti-smuggling initiative designed to prevent the illegal movement of petroleum products across Nigeria’s borders. Its core aim is to safeguard the nation’s economic interests, strengthen energy security, and ensure that petroleum products intended for local consumption are not unlawfully diverted for export

“Over the past four weeks, acting on credible intelligence, our operatives successfully dismantled a coordinated smuggling network involved in the illegal exportation of PMS to neighboring countries. During this operation, a total of 595 jerry-cans of 25 litres each were intercepted, amounting to 14,875 litres. These seizures were made across key flashpoints, including Imeko, Ilara, Ilaro, Idiroko, and Seme-Badagry.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized products stands at Fourteen Million, Eight Hundred and Seven- Five Thousand Naira Only ₦14,875,000. The Seized PMS Products up for auction today were seized through dedicated enforcement operations and reliable intelligence. 

“They had been earmarked for illegal export to neighboring country in direct contravention of national laws regulating the distribution and movement of petroleum products.”

 He emphasised that petroleum smuggling is not a victimless crime.

“It undermines the national economy, deprives the government of vital revenue, disrupts the domestic supply chain, and creates artificial scarcity that negatively impacts citizens.

 “In line with legal provisions and our commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process, the seized PMS is being disposed of through this public auction. 

“This ensures that the products are reintegrated into the legitimate domestic supply chain rather than being diverted into illegal channels. This auction is being carried out with the participation of relevant government agencies, security personnel, civil society groups, and media representatives to guarantee transparency, accountability, and integrity, in the disposal process,” he said.

  

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