The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled several high-profile criminal networks, including kidnap and armed robbery gangs as well as a ₦500 million visa fraud syndicate, arresting multiple suspects and recovering weapons, stolen property, and incriminating evidence.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed the breakthroughs on Monday at a press briefing held at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja, warning criminals that Lagos would remain unsafe for their operations.
According to Jimoh, the operations were executed by specialized units between July 13 and July 30, 2025, across various parts of Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State.
The CP said detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit swung into action on July 13 following a distress call from Ayogu Kelvin of Yaba, whose 16-year-old son, Emmanuel Odin, had been abducted.
The kidnappers allegedly collected ₦2 million, a headset, a school bag, and an iPhone 12 before freeing the boy.
Swift intelligence work led to the arrest of four suspects — Joel Francis, 23; Oke Favour, 22; Hosia Josihua, 26; and David Alade, 26 — in Ikeja, Jakande, and Makoko.
On July 30, the same unit apprehended seven men accused of terrorising communities and hijacking fuel tankers while disguised in camouflage uniforms to impersonate security operatives.
The suspects — Noble Saint Nwaokoro, 44; Batomi Samson, 48; Abubakar Ali, 47; Eze Emmanuel, 45; Ebe Uzoma, 52; Ikechukwu Ezekwe, 49; and Bitris Ibrahim, 42 — have been charged to court and are awaiting trial.
₦500m Visa Scam Exposed
In another major breakthrough, operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) busted a syndicate that allegedly defrauded more than 100 victims on the pretext of securing Canadian and Australian work visas.
Four suspects — Blessing Wefsutu, 27; Chineye Christian, 36; Archibong Udeme Ifereke, 23; and Maurine Peter, 25 — were arrested on July 16 at an educational consultancy office in Ago-Okota, which police say served as the fraud’s operational base.
They remain in custody while others are still on the run.
On July 17, police arrested 30-year-old Chinedu Emmanuel, alleged leader of a car theft syndicate, in Ogijo, Ogun State.
The gang reportedly posed as drivers to steal vehicles, which were later dismantled and sold for spare parts.
Emmanuel’s arrest led to the capture of Ifeanyi Obi, 39, in Iba, Lagos, with stolen parts recovered at the Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market.
Jimoh reiterated the Command’s commitment to an aggressive crackdown on violent crimes, cultism, and fraud, stressing:
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