Police eliminate four suspected kidnappers during Lagos anti‑abduction operation

Police from the Lagos State Police Command’s Special Squad 1 eliminated four suspected kidnappers during a counter‑operation designed to stop the planned abduction of a businessman in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

The operation, carried out on Sunday night at the Jakande Estate Gate, also yielded an AK‑47 rifle, a second firearm, ammunition, and vehicles believed to belong to the criminal group.

Gunfire exchanged between the suspects and police continued until about 11:00 p.m., prompting traders and residents nearby to flee the area in fear.

Security officials said the operation was prompted by credible intelligence that a kidnapping syndicate intended to abduct a businessman at approximately 9:30 p.m. at the estate gate.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the intelligence was immediately forwarded to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, who ordered operatives to the site for surveillance and interception.

The officer identified the alleged gang leader simply as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” noting that he had previously been linked to several kidnapping incidents in Lagos.

He also alleged that the suspect had ties to members of another kidnapping gang that was neutralised during a police operation at the Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

According to the officer, the suspects opened fire when they spotted the police team, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The suspects immediately engaged the operatives upon noticing them, but they were overpowered by superior firepower. At the end of the operation, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while one escaped with gunshot injuries,” the source said.

A police inspector attached to the squad sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg during the confrontation and was quickly taken to the Police College Hospital in Ikeja, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding well.

Items recovered from the scene included a Toyota Sienna, an AK‑47 rifle with two magazines containing 25 rounds of live ammunition, a submachine gun fitted with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds, as well as keys to a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus vehicle.

Police authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining members of the gang.