Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Lagos, Kill Four Suspects
By KEMI KASUMU
The source identified the alleged gang leader as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” and claimed he had been linked to previous kidnapping activities within the state. The officer further alleged that the suspect had connections to a notorious kidnapping network whose members were killed during a police operation at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have foiled an alleged kidnap attempt in the Ejigbo area of Lagos, killing four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle night of Sunday May 24, 2026.
The operation, carried out by the Command’s Special Squad 1 at Jakande Estate Gate, also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition and vehicles believed to have been used by the suspects.
Residents and traders in the area were thrown into panic as gunfire reportedly continued until about 11 p.m., forcing many to flee for safety.
According to police sources, the operation followed intelligence indicating that a kidnapping syndicate was planning to abduct a businessman at the estate gate around 9:30 p.m. Acting on the information, operatives were deployed to the location to monitor and intercept the suspects.
A senior police officer, who spoke anonymously, said the intelligence was received by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, prompting swift action by security personnel.
The source identified the alleged gang leader as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” and claimed he had been linked to previous kidnapping activities within the state. The officer further alleged that the suspect had connections to a notorious kidnapping network whose members were killed during a police operation at Ladipo International Spare Parts Market in 2024.
Police said the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“The gang sighted the police and immediately opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower. At the end of the gun duel, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while another escaped with gunshot wounds,” the source said.
During the operation, a police inspector attached to the squad sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg. He was taken to the Police College Hospital in Ikeja and is reportedly responding to treatment.
Items recovered from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, a submachine gun with a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition, and keys belonging to Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicles.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and apprehend other members of the alleged criminal gang.
