Lagos State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnap attempt in the Ejigbo area of the state, killing four suspected kidnappers during a gun duel.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Special Squad 1, took place on Sunday night at Jakande Estate Gate, Ejigbo.
Police sources said the operation followed intelligence reports that a kidnapping syndicate planned to abduct a businessman in the area at about 9:30 p.m.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the intelligence was received by the Commissioner of Police, prompting operatives to move to the location and monitor the activities of the suspects.
The source identified the alleged gang leader simply as Ifeanyi, popularly known as “Ifeko,” claiming that he had been linked to previous kidnapping incidents in Lagos.
According to the source, the suspects opened fire on the operatives after spotting them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
“The gang sighted the police and immediately opened fire, but the operatives responded with superior firepower.
“At the end of the gun duel, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while another escaped with gunshot wounds,” the source said.
The source added that a police inspector attached to the squad sustained gunshot injuries on his left leg during the operation and was taken to the Police College Hospital, Ikeja, where he is receiving treatment.
Recovered items from the scene included a Toyota Sienna vehicle, one AK-47 rifle with two magazines loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition, a submachine gun with a magazine containing 12 rounds of ammunition, and keys to Toyota Corolla and Lexus vehicles.
Residents and traders in the area reportedly fled for safety as gunfire lasted until about 11:00 p.m.
Police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the alleged syndicate.
