Rita Odafe
A group of nine suspected kidnappers who were reportedly causing fear in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo areas of Lagos State have been eliminated by officers from the Lagos State Police Command.
The suspects were engaged in a gun battle by the police on Thursday night in the Ladipo neighborhood of Lagos.
During the confrontation, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, a POS machine, a loudspeaker, four AK-47 rifles, and four locally made semi-automatic pistols were recovered. Additionally, two operational vehicles, a black Toyota 4Runner, and a blue Lexus RX350, were seized from the suspects.
Speaking at a press briefing at the State Police Command in Ikeja, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, mentioned that the police received credible intelligence two weeks prior about a notorious kidnapping gang planning to target affluent individuals in Lagos.
According to Hundeyin, the police took proactive measures based on the received intelligence and were able to thwart the gang’s plans in Ladipo area by setting up an ambush.
The armed kidnappers engaged in a gunfight with the police but were overpowered, resulting in the elimination of nine suspects, while two others managed to escape with injuries.
The police had been trailing this gang for the past eight months due to their involvement in various kidnappings in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo, and Ladipo. The successful operation has effectively put an end to their criminal activities.
Hundeyin encouraged the public, especially medical professionals, to report individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or emergency hotline if they come across any.
He also urged citizens to provide information promptly if they suspect criminal activities to ensure a swift and appropriate response from the police, emphasizing the priority of ensuring the safety and security of the community.
