The battle against violent crimes in Lagos recorded another major turning point in the month of May 2026 as operatives of the Lagos State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Ejigbo, which involved the four (4) remaining members of the popular Ladipo Kidnap Gang of 2024 which specialized in abducting high-profile individuals and receiving millions of dollars as ransom. During the carefully executed operation, the four suspected members of the notorious abduction syndicate were killed in a fierce gun duel that underscored the growing sophistication of organised criminal networks targeting Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
Addressing journalists with includes members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP during his May monthly press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters Ikeja, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the Command’s sustained crackdown on violent crimes and trans-state criminal syndicates operating within Lagos and neighbouring states. According to the Police boss, the incident occurred on May 24, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m., following credible intelligence that a notorious kidnapping gang had concluded plans to abduct a prominent businessman around the Jakande Estate Gate area of Ejigbo.
Tijani disclosed that intelligence operatives had closely monitored the gang’s movements after receiving reports that members of the syndicate had arrived in Lagos specifically to execute the operation. “The gang was targeting a popular businessman,” the CP said. “Based on intelligence gathered, operatives moved strategically to the scene before the criminals could strike.”
The Lagos Commissioner of Police further revealed that the suspected gang leader, identified simply as Ifeanyi, alias “Ifeko,” was believed to have trained Henry Asoona, the alleged leader of the billionaire kidnap syndicate neutralised by Police operatives at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024. Investigations also revealed that Ifeko, who is reportedly based abroad, recently sneaked into the country to coordinate the failed operation.
According to CP Fatai Tijani, the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police team, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.
“The operatives responded with superior firepower,” Tijani stated, adding that four members of the gang were neutralised on the spot while another suspect escaped with gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the scene were one Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, one submachine gun with a magazine containing 12 rounds of live ammunition, as well as Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicle keys believed to be connected to previous operations.
The Police, however, recorded one casualty on the side of law enforcement as an Inspector sustained gunshot injuries on his left leg during the exchange.
The injured officer was immediately rushed to hospital and is reportedly responding to treatment.
Tijani assured Lagosians that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and dismantle every cell connected to the syndicate.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led policing and warned criminal elements that Lagos would remain hostile terrain for kidnappers, armed gangs, and other violent offenders.
