Thursday, July 4, 2024 will go down in the history books of the Nigerian Police Lagos State Police Command unders the able leadership of CP Adegoke Fayoade as a day to remember. It was a day when the Nigerian Police showed the stuff they are made of and proved that professionalism and intelligence go a long way in crime fighting
For the Police this was indeed a major breakthrough, the success of which can be hinged to whistle blowing, credible intelligence and team work which has a positive impact in thwarting a kidnapping plot orchestrated by a notorious gang targeting high net-worth individuals in Lagos.
Information reaching the Police revealed that these Kidnappers had for some time been operating in some areas such as Okota, Ejigbo, Isolo and Ladipo which had put men of the Lagos State Command on guide, placing then under surveillance for about eight months
In a Press Briefing held as the Lagos State Command only yesterday, The Police Public Relations Officer
SP Benjamin Hundenyin disclosed that the command received intelligence about the gang’s latest plan two weeks ago. CP Fayoade swang into action by promptly directing tactical teams to act on the information, leading to a successfully planned ambush in the Ladipo area of Lagos State.
The gang of Kidnappers were then taken aback as they were caught off guard, they therefore engaged the police in a fierce shootout. However, they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the Police. In the encounter, nine gang members were silenced for life, while two others escaped with gunshot injuries.
The Police Spokesperson therefore called on medical practitioners and the public to be vigilant and report any individual seen with gunshot wounds and SP Hundeyin further solicited that the community should feel free to share information on suspicious activities.
The fallout of the shootout was the recovery of an Arsenal of weapons by the Police which include four AK-47 Rifles, four locally-made semi- automatic Pistols, nine AK-47 Magazines, three Walkie-talkies, a POS machine, and a loudspeaker. Additionally, two operational vehicles, a black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350, were seized.
SP Hundeyin added that the Command ‘Proud’ has made a declaration that the reign of terror of the Kidnappers has effectively come to an end.
This feat the PPRO said adds to a series of success stories by the Lagos State Police Command in preempting criminal activities. The command has discreetly identified and apprehended multiple gangs involved in kidnappings and armed robberies, often without publicizing the details to protect informants.
The Lagos State Police Command has therefore again reiterated that it remains committed to maintaining peace and order, therefore Lagosians should support their efforts by promptly reporting any suspicious activities.
