The Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven suspects linked to the hijacking and diversion of a petroleum tanker loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amid rising incidents of fuel theft in the state.
Spokesperson for the Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He said the suspects were apprehended following a swift operation led by detectives after receiving a distress report from the driver of the hijacked vehicle.
The suspects, identified as Izuchukwu Nwanoruo (34), Kayode Falodun (29), Ojo Ayodele (35), Ayomide Thompson (24), Ahmed Saliu (37), Igbalaye Kareem (38), and Babatunde Ahmed (38), are believed to be members of a syndicate involved in a series of petroleum product diversions in Lagos.
According to Hundeyin, the tanker driver reported to the Surulere Police Division around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, claiming that he was attacked by armed men while transporting the fuel-laden truck through Alaka area of Surulere. The assailants reportedly commandeered the truck and its contents.
“Based on the intelligence gathered, detectives launched a manhunt which led to the discovery of the empty truck in the Orile area of Lagos,” the statement read.
Further investigation led police operatives to a filling station in the Ejigbo area, where the stolen PMS had already been offloaded into another tanker. All seven suspects were arrested at the scene, and the second tanker used for the illicit transfer was also recovered.
Hundeyin said the arrested individuals include businessmen, drivers, and artisans from Ejigbo and surrounding communities, underscoring the organized nature of the crime.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations,” he added.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Owohunlare Jimoh, commended the operatives for their swift and effective response. He assured residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, especially amid concerns over recurring fuel-related crimes.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support security efforts across the state.
Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.
The hijacking and diversion of fuel tankers have become a growing threat in Lagos, with implications for fuel supply, public safety, and economic stability. Authorities say efforts are being intensified to dismantle syndicates behind such criminal operations.
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