By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police command in Lagos State says it foiled a planned kidnap attempt and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in Ejigbo.

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, confirmed the operation on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

Tijani said operatives acted on credible intelligence received about a notorious kidnapping syndicate planning an attack in Lagos.

He said the operation occurred on Sunday around 9:30 p.m. near Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.

According to him, the gang planned to abduct a prominent businessman before police operatives moved in and disrupted the operation.

He described the syndicate as a deadly network targeting wealthy businessmen and entering Lagos from other states and neighbouring countries.

“The gang was planning to strike at a popular businessman around Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.

“Based on the information available to us, our operatives moved swiftly to the scene and confronted the suspects,” he added.

Tijani said the suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the police team, leading to a fierce gun battle.

He said police operatives responded with superior firepower, killing four gang members, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.

The commissioner said the fleeing suspect and other accomplices were being tracked by security operatives.

Tijani identified the gang leader as “Ifeko”, describing him as a notorious criminal figure with international connections.

He alleged that the suspect lived abroad and usually returned to Nigeria to coordinate kidnappings and other violent crimes.

According to Tijani, “Ifeko” trained one Henry, alleged leader of the billionaire kidnappers’ gang neutralised at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.

He said intelligence showed the gang recently entered Lagos to execute another high-profile abduction before police intercepted them.

Police recovered a Toyota Sienna allegedly used by the gang, an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun during the operation.

Recovered items also included two magazines containing 25 live rounds and another magazine loaded with 12 live rounds.

Tijani said operatives additionally recovered Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicle keys suspected to be linked to previous crimes.

He said preliminary investigations suggested the gang had carried out similar operations across different parts of the country.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks and violent gangs threatening Lagos residents.

He added that a police inspector sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg during the exchange of fire.

According to him, the injured officer is receiving treatment in hospital and responding positively.

Tijani said investigations were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and other accomplices connected to the syndicate. (NAN)

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