According to a report by PUNCH on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Lagos State Police Command has said its operatives foiled a planned abduction and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a late-night gun battle in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.
The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja.
According to him, the incident occurred on May 24, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m., following actionable intelligence received by operatives regarding a planned kidnapping attempt targeting a businessman around Jakande Estate Gate in Ejigbo.
Fatai explained that the gang was under surveillance after security operatives intercepted intelligence suggesting that the suspects were preparing to abduct a prominent businessman in the area.
He described the group as a well-organised kidnapping syndicate that frequently travels into Lagos to target high-net-worth individuals during planned operations.
The police commissioner further revealed that preliminary investigations linked the gang’s leadership to a suspect identified as Ifeanyi, also known as “Ifeko,” who allegedly trained another notorious figure, Henry Asoona, believed to have led a previously dismantled kidnapping network operating around the Ladipo area in 2024.
He added that the gang leader, Ifeanyi, was believed to be based outside the country but had recently returned to Lagos to coordinate the planned operation.
According to him, once operatives confirmed the suspects’ movements, tactical teams were deployed to intercept them at the intended location.
“On May 24, 2026, at about 2130hrs, based on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command foiled a planned kidnapping attack on a businessman at Jakande Estate Gate, Ejigbo,” Fatai said.
He noted that upon arrival at the scene, the suspects engaged police operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire after noticing the presence of security personnel.
“The suspects opened fire immediately they sighted the operatives, leading to a gun duel. Our officers responded decisively, and four members of the gang were neutralised, while one suspect escaped with injuries,” he stated.
Fatai confirmed that several items were recovered from the scene, including a Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines containing 25 rounds of live ammunition, one submachine gun with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds, and keys belonging to a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus vehicle.
He also disclosed that one police inspector sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the operation and was promptly taken to a medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment.
“An inspector of police sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg during the exchange of fire and has been treated and is responding to care. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the gang,” he added.
The police commissioner said the operation formed part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within Lagos State.
He further noted that within the month under review, the Command arrested 10 suspects linked to various criminal activities across the state, with multiple weapons recovered during different raids.
Items recovered in separate operations, according to him, included firearms, ammunition, locally fabricated weapons, a motorcycle, and other dangerous implements used for criminal activities.
Fatai assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated tactical responses aimed at strengthening security and maintaining public safety across Lagos State.
