Deadly Shootings in Lagos as Kidnappers Target Billionaire, Video Emerges Amid Police's Intervention
- Police have killed four kidnappers in Lagos during an alleged attempted abduction of a billionaire businessman
- The operation was said to have led to the recovery of firearms and vehicles linked to the "notorious gang" operating in Lagos
- Investigations are underway as police operatives disclosed that they are determined to capture the fleeing suspect (s) and accomplices connected to the alleged kidnapping plot
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over nine years of experience covering metro.
Ejigbo, Lagos state - Four members of a kidnapping gang led by a suspect identified as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” who were plotting to abduct an unnamed billionaire businessman in Lagos, have been reportedly killed in a gun battle with police operatives in Ejigbo area of the state.
As reported by The Punch, the suspected kidnappers were eliminated during an operation around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, near Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.
Source: Twitter
4 suspected kidnappers gunned down in Lagos
Tijani Fatai, the Lagos state commissioner of police (CP), provided updates on the operation while addressing journalists on Tuesday, May 26, at the command headquarters in Ikeja, according to The Guardian.
The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, another firearm, live ammunition and vehicles allegedly linked to the suspects.
It was gathered that the gunfire lasted until about 11:00 p.m., forcing traders and residents in the area to flee for safety.
Lagos police CP speaks on operation
Speaking on the kidnapping incident, the police commissioner said the gang specialised in targeting wealthy businessmen and usually entered Lagos to carry out attacks on unsuspecting victims.
According to him, police operatives received intelligence that the gang was planning to strike and abduct a prominent businessman.
Furthermore, he disclosed that additional intelligence linked the gang leader 'Ifeko' to the training of one Henry Asoona, alleged leader of the billionaire kidnappers earlier neutralised at the Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.
According to CP Fatai, Ifeanyi was based abroad but had returned to Lagos to coordinate the planned operation.
The police chief stated that the gang, upon sighting the operatives, opened fire and engaged them in a gun duel.
He stated:
“The operatives responded with superior firepower, leading to the neutralisation of four members of the gang, while one suspect escaped with bullet wounds."
During the latest operation, a police inspector attached to the squad sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg and was rushed to the Police College Hospital in Ikeja, where he is reportedly responding to treatment.
Source: Facebook
Police hunt fleeing gang members
CP Fatai added:
"Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other accomplices connected to the gang."
A post-operation video released by the Lagos police can be watched below via X:
Legit.ng reports that kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most pervasive and destabilising security threats. Once concentrated in the Niger Delta and tied to militancy, it has spread across the country.
Police seize ‘illicit drugs’ in Lagos
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Zone 2 Police Command, in a joint operation with the Special Police Unit (SPU) and divisional detectives, recovered hundreds of bags of suspected Canadian Loud during a raid in Lagos state.
The suspect, Eke Henry Ifeanyi, allegedly ran a drug distribution network concealed within a Point-of-Sale (POS) business operating under the guise of selling paper rolls.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh said investigations have been expanded to uncover a wider drug smuggling network connected to the suspect.
Source: Legit.ng
