Police Uncover Kidnappers' Shrine in Lagos, Arrest 13 Suspects
The Lagos State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime by uncovering a den used by suspected kidnappers, which was cleverly disguised as a shrine in the Idimu area of the state. This operation led to the arrest of at least 13 suspects linked to the criminal activities.
Intelligence-Led Operation Leads to Discovery
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh took journalists on a tour of the premises located along Pipeline Road in Idimu on Wednesday, January 21. He revealed that the arrests were the result of intelligence-led stop-and-search operations conducted by police operatives in the early hours of Sunday, January 18.
According to the CP, the suspects are members of a notorious syndicate involved in "one-chance" robberies and kidnapping operations across Lagos State. The gang, led by one Demola Adelua, has been operating for over eight years and controls about six operational teams throughout the state.
Modus Operandi of the Criminal Gang
The syndicate employed a deceptive strategy to lure victims. They typically approached unsuspecting members of the public, especially at night and in the early morning hours, under the pretence of selling dollars or offering fake investment schemes that promised to double money.
If victims cooperated and the gang succeeded in defrauding them, they were released. However, if a victim was too smart and refused to cooperate, they were taken to the shrine, locked inside a room, and their relatives were called to demand ransom.
Commissioner Jimoh stressed that while Lagos State does not have rampant cases of conventional kidnapping, such "one-chance" criminal gangs often escalate to kidnapping when victims resist fraud attempts.
Targeting Vulnerable Worshippers
The police boss noted that the gang specifically targeted worshippers going to mosques and churches early in the morning, exploiting the limited movement and low police presence during those hours. This tactic made them particularly dangerous to the community.
From Initial Arrests to Major Raid
The operation began with three suspects being intercepted at Bode Thomas in Surulere while operating in a vehicle allegedly used to pick up victims. These initial arrests led police to the operational base in Idimu.
Following the discovery, operatives conducted an on-the-spot search and recovered weapons used for criminal activities. They then raided the surrounding area, arresting additional members of the gang and bringing the total number of suspects to 14.
The gang operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, which was used to pick victims from bus stops and other locations around Lagos.
Police Response and Community Impact
Commissioner Jimoh explained that only two formal complaints were initially received, which prompted the command to establish tactical stop-and-search points in the identified axis. This proactive approach demonstrates the police's commitment to addressing crime through intelligence and strategic operations.
The uncovering of this shrine and the subsequent arrests mark a significant victory for law enforcement in Lagos, potentially disrupting a long-standing criminal network that has preyed on residents for years.
