Detectives from the Lagos State Police Command have arrested seven individuals in connection with the hijacking and diversion of petrol tankers in Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, 34, Kayode Falodun, 29, Ojo Ayodele, 35, Ayomide Thompson ,24, Ahmed Saliu, 37, Igbalaye Kareem, 38, and Babatunde Ahmed ‘m’ aged 38.
The arrests were made as part of efforts to curb the increasing incidence of hijacking and diversion of petroleum products in the state.
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The hijacking and diversion of petrol tankers have been a recurring challenge in Lagos, with several incidents reported in recent times.
The arrested individuals who are members of a syndicate involved in series of hijacked petrol tankers are currently being interrogated by the authorities to uncover the extent of their involvement and the identities of other potential accomplices.
However, it is understood that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made as more information becomes available.
The hijacking and diversion of petrol tankers pose significant economic and security risks, as they can lead to shortages and price increases, as well as provide funding for criminal activities.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while providing details of the arrest and recovery stated that the suspects were tracked to a petrol station in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.
Hundeyin disclosed that at about 6:00 AM ok Saturday June 28, 2025, the driver of an hijacked tanker loaded with 45,000 liters of fuel reported at Surulere Police Division the hijacking of the 45,000-liter tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to him, the tanker driver alleged that he was driving in transit through Alaka, Surulere, Lagos to his destination when the truck and it’s content was taken away from him by gunmen.
He said that based on the strength of the information, a crack detectives and special operatives of the Lagos Police Command swiftly responded and commenced investigation, leading to the recovery of the hijacked tanker, which was found empty at Orile area of Lagos.
“The Police teams promptly swung into action, immediate response and discreet investigation into the case led the operatives to a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen PMS had been offloaded. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered another tanker being loaded with the same product stolen from the hijacked tanker.
“Seven suspects namely: Izuchukwu Nwanoruo ‘m’ aged 34, a business man from Ejigbo; Kayode Falodun ‘m’ aged 29, a tricycle rider from Ejigbo; Ojo Ayodele ‘m’ aged 35, a mechanic from Ijegun Ijedodo; Ayomide Thompson ‘m’ aged 24, a graphics designer from Ijegun Ijedodo; Ahmed Saliu ‘m’ aged 37, a driver from Ejigbo; Igbalaye Kareem ‘m’ aged 38, a trader from Ogun State; and Babatunde Ahmed ‘m’ aged 38, a driver from Ejigbo, involved in this criminal act were promptly arrested at the filling station. Additionally, the fuel tanker being used to transport away the stolen fuel has been recovered to the Police Station as exhibit. The suspects are currently in Police custody and assisting the police with ongoing investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, while commending the operatives for a diligent job, assures Lagosians of the unreserved commitment of the Command to ensuring adequate safety of lives and property. CP Jimoh equally encourages Lagosians to continue providing timely information to aid the efforts of the police in maintaining security across the state” he stated.
Hundeyin further disclosed that all suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
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