The Lagos State Police Command has achieved major security breakthroughs in May 2026, including foiling a kidnap attempt, neutralizing four suspected kidnappers, arresting 10 suspects, and recovering firearms, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and other items linked to criminal operations across the state.
Press Briefing on Police Activities
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, disclosed these successes during a press briefing on the Command's activities for the month under review. He attributed the achievements to sustained intelligence-led policing, rapid response operations, and coordinated crime prevention strategies.
Foiled Kidnap Operation in Ejigbo
According to the Commissioner, 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. 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 neutralized, 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.
Arrests and Other Operations
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.
Staged Kidnapping Uncovered
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.
Vehicle Vandals and Firearm Recoveries
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.
Commitment to Public Safety
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.
