A notorious gang of kidnappers, which had plagued Lagos with audacious operations targeting wealthy individuals for over a year, met its demise in a dramatic showdown last week in the Ladipo area. The gang, notorious for demanding exorbitant ransoms in both cash and dollars, was finally confronted by a special squad from the Commissioner of Police, resulting in a fierce shootout.
During the operation, which unfolded like a scene from a Hollywood thriller, nine of the gang members were killed by the police. The encounter also led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles and pistols, as well as items like walkie-talkies and a POS machine used in their criminal activities. Two other suspects managed to escape amidst the chaos.
The gang’s modus operandi included kidnapping high-profile businessmen from locations such as Ago Palace Way, Isolo, and Ladipo Auto Spare Parts Market, where they would demand enormous sums in ransom. Their victims were often released in remote areas of Ogun State after payments were made.
This successful operation was the culmination of persistent efforts by law enforcement, who had been tracking the gang’s movements and activities meticulously. Despite previous attempts to apprehend them by past Commissioners of Police, this latest operation under Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade’s leadership proved decisive.
While the police continue to pursue the remaining fugitives, the community in Lagos breathes a sigh of relief, hopeful that this significant blow to organized crime will lead to increased security and safety across the region.
