The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has led operatives in a raid on a criminal hideout along Pipeline Road in the Idimu area of the state, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspected kidnappers and one-chance operators.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the suspects’ operational residence, CP Jimoh said the operation followed credible intelligence reports and weeks of undercover surveillance. He explained that the syndicate posed as commercial transport operators, preying on unsuspecting commuters during early morning and late-night hours.
According to the police boss, victims were picked up under the guise of public transportation and driven to a secluded building, where they were coerced into surrendering valuables, mobile phones and cash. In some cases, victims were deceived into parting with money under the promise of quick investment returns.
He said those who cooperated were often released, while those who resisted were detained and falsely reported to their families as having been kidnapped, leading to ransom payments before their release. The gang reportedly targeted commuters, including Muslim and Christian worshippers heading to early morning religious services.
Jimoh disclosed that investigations commenced after complaints from victims helped police identify the gang’s routes and hideouts. He said three suspects were initially arrested, which led to the discovery of the main base and the subsequent arrest of 10 additional suspects, bringing the total to 13. He added that the gang had operated in the area for more than eight years.
Items recovered from the suspects include weapons allegedly used to intimidate victims and operational vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna and other branded cars. The commissioner said police are still searching for five additional vehicles believed to be used by the syndicate.
He noted that the arrests were made possible through undercover operations, tactical entry-and-exit checkpoints and intelligence provided by members of the public. One principal suspect, believed to be a key driver for the group, was also apprehended during a recent interception.
Assuring residents of enhanced security, Jimoh said Lagos does not have widespread kidnapping cases but rather incidents linked to one-chance criminal activities that sometimes escalate into forced ransom situations.
He announced plans to strengthen crime prevention with the introduction of an Anti-Crime Patrol and Community Protection Unit, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun. The unit, he said, will comprise officers redeployed from VIP duties and will operate round-the-clock from 10 strategic locations across the state.
Jimoh urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring them that all police divisions, including waterfront areas, would be adequately covered. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the safety of lives and property.
Officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) were also present at the scene to seal the building used by the suspects.