The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has led operatives in a raid on a criminal hideout at Pipeline Road in the Idimu area.
The command apprehended 13 suspected kidnappers and one-chance operators.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday at the residence used by the suspects, CP Jimoh said that the operation was carried out following intelligence reports and undercover surveillance.
He said that the syndicate operated under the guise of commercial transportation, targeting unsuspecting commuters in the early hours of the morning and late at night.
According to him, the syndicate operated under the guise of commercial transportation, picking up unsuspecting members of the public mostly in the early hours of the morning and late at night, and transporting them to a secluded building.
The police boss said the suspects used a deceptive method, coercing victims to surrender valuables, phones, and money, and sometimes persuading them to invest funds under the promise of quick returns.
“Victims who cooperated were often released, while those who resisted were detained and falsely reported to their families as kidnapped, prompting ransom payments before release.
“The suspects targeted commuters, including Muslim and Christian faithful traveling to early morning worship services.
“Our investigation began after receiving complaints from victims, which led us to identify their operational routes and hideouts,” he said.
The commissioner revealed that three suspects were initially apprehended, leading to the discovery of the syndicate’s base of operations and the arrest of additional suspects.
He said that 10 more suspects were later apprehended, bringing the total number to 13, adding that the gang had operated in the area for over eight years.
Jimoh said that items recovered from the suspects include weapons used to intimidate victims and operational vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna and other branded vehicles.
According to him, police are still searching for five additional vehicles believed to be used by the syndicate.
The CP said the arrests resulted from undercover surveillance, tactical entry-and-exit checkpoints, and intelligence from members of the public.
He disclosed that one principal suspect, believed to be a driver for the group, was apprehended along with others during a recent interception.
Assuring residents of improved security, the commissioner stated that the state does not have widespread kidnapping cases, but incidents linked to one-chance criminal activities, which sometimes escalate into forced ransom situations.
He also announced plans to strengthen crime prevention across the state by introducing an Anti-Crime Patrol and Community Protection Unit.
“The unit, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, will be made up of officers redeployed from VIP duties and stationed at 10 strategic locations to operate round-the-clock.
“Our goal is to mop up all remnants of criminal elements across the state, including those coming from neighboring states,” he said.
He urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.
The commissioner assured that all divisions, including waterfront areas, would be adequately covered, reiterating the police command’s commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) was at the scene to seal up the building.
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