Police Foil Kidnap Attempt in Lagos, Kill Four Suspects in Gun Battle

The Lagos State Police Command says its operatives foiled a planned kidnapping attempt in the Ejigbo area of Lagos and killed four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Special Squad 1 at Jakande Estate Gate on Sunday night, followed intelligence reports that a criminal gang planned to abduct a businessman in the area.

Police said the suspects were monitored before the operation was launched to intercept them.

A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the operation was based on intelligence received by the Commissioner of Police.

“The intelligence was received by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, prompting operatives to move to the area and monitor the suspects’ activities,” the source said.

The source also alleged that the gang was led by a suspect identified as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” who had been linked to previous kidnapping operations in Lagos.

According to police accounts, the operation turned violent when the suspects opened fire on the officers.

“The gang sighted the police and immediately opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower,” the source said.

“At the end of the gun duel, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.”

The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted several minutes and caused panic in the area, forcing residents and traders to flee for safety.

The eyewitnesses claimed that the shooting continued until about 11 p.m.

During the operation, a police inspector attached to the squad was injured after being shot in the leg and was taken to the Police College Hospital in Ikeja, where he is receiving treatment.

Police also recovered weapons from the scene, including an AK-47 rifle, another firearm, ammunition, and vehicles allegedly used by the suspects.

Authorities said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspect and other members of the gang.

The Lagos State Police Command said it remains committed to stopping kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, which has continued to experience similar incidents in recent years.