How we neutralised four kidnappers targeting billionaires in Lagos — CP

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday disclosed how its operatives foiled a kidnap attempt and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in the Ejigbo area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, made this known during a briefing at the state police command headquarters in Ikeja.

According to him, the incident occurred on May 24, 2026, at about 9:30 pm, following credible intelligence monitored by operatives of the command regarding a planned abduction of a businessman at Jakande Estate Gate in the Ejigbo area of Lagos.

Fatai said the suspected kidnappers belonged to a notorious gang known for targeting wealthy businessmen whenever they entered Lagos to carry out criminal operations.

He explained that operatives had monitored the gang’s movement after receiving intelligence that the suspects were planning to attack a popular businessman in the area.

The CP added that investigations further revealed that the gang leader, identified simply as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” allegedly trained Henry Asoona, who was said to be the leader of a notorious billionaire kidnap gang earlier neutralised by the police at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

According to him, Ifeanyi was allegedly based abroad but had returned to Lagos to coordinate the planned operation.

“On May 24, 2026, at about 2130hrs, following credible intelligence received and monitored by operatives of the Command, a kidnap attempt by a nefarious kidnapping gang on a businessman at Jakande Estate Gate, Ejigbo Area of Lagos, was foiled.

“This dreaded group specialises in targeting wealthy businessmen and arrives in Lagos to carry out heinous crimes on unsuspecting persons. On the strength of the information received, operatives monitored the intelligence dutifully.

“The gang was going to strike at a popular business owner. Additional information revealed that the gang leader named Ifeanyi “m”, a.k.a. Ifeko was the one who trained Henry Asoona, the gang leader of the billionaire kidnappers that were earlier neutralised in the Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in Lagos in 2024. Ifeanyi “M”, a.k.a. Ifeko, is also said to be based abroad and came down to Lagos to perpetrate this act.”

The CP said, based on the foregoing, operatives swung into action and moved to the scene.

He further stated that the gang, on sighting the police, opened fire and engaged the operatives in a gun duel.

“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of four members of the gang, while one suspect escaped with bullet wounds,” he added.

The police boss disclosed that several exhibits were recovered from the suspects at the scene of the incident.

The recovered items included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, one SMG rifle with a magazine containing 12 rounds of live ammunition, a Toyota Corolla key and a Lexus vehicle key.

Tijani also noted that an inspector of police sustained gunshot injuries on his left leg during the exchange of fire.

“Meanwhile, an inspector of police sustained a gunshot injury on his left leg during the exchange of fire and was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is currently responding to treatment. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other accomplices connected to the gang,” he added.

Speaking further, the CP said the command’s recent operational successes reflected its determination to rid Lagos State of criminal elements and sustain public confidence in policing.

According to him, within the month of May, the command arrested 10 suspects in connection with various criminal offences across the state.

He added that several weapons and dangerous items were also recovered during different operations carried out by operatives of the command.

He said, “The recovered exhibits included a double-barrel pump-action gun, three AK-47 rifles, two SMGs, one revolver pistol, one short pistol, one fabricated pistol, three locally made pistols, six magazines, 42 rounds of live ammunition, one dummy gun, one TVS motorcycle, an axe and other dangerous weapons.”

Tijani assured residents that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing and strategic operations aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.