From a multi-million-naira fuel fraud to a bizarre self-orchestrated kidnapping plot and sweeping anti-cult operations, the Lagos State Police Command has unveiled a catalogue of major breakthroughs recorded across the state in May 2026. This reinforces the growing intensity of security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
At a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday 26th May 2026, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani said the Command arrested 10 suspects during the period under review and recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, stolen vehicles, and large sums of money linked to various criminal activities.
Among the most significant cases was the arrest of one Chibuzor Mogbo over the alleged diversion and theft of Premium Motor Spirit valued at more than ₦1.028 billion belonging to MEA Energy.
Tijani explained that the suspect was apprehended in Delta State after a 12-day intelligence-led operation involving technical tracking and surveillance.
According to him, the suspect confessed during interrogation and subsequently led detectives to the recovery of cash and properties worth over ₦300 million allegedly connected to the fraud. The Police chief indicated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend a second suspect, identified as Jessica Anyincha, who remains at large.
In another dramatic case, detectives uncovered what initially appeared to be a genuine kidnapping incident but later turned out to be a carefully staged abduction plot designed to extort money from an employer.
The CP said the alleged victim, Adamu Abdullahi, had been declared missing before a disturbing video surfaced showing him being beaten and threatened by supposed kidnappers demanding ₦1.5 million ransom. However, investigators reportedly noticed inconsistencies in the footage and discovered that the “victim” had collaborated with accomplices to fake the kidnapping.
Police arrested two suspects, Adelowo Olalekan Akorede and Yusuf Lukman, while another accomplice remains on the run. The Command also recovered ₦490,000 allegedly diverted by the principal suspect from his employer’s business funds.
In its anti-cultism operations, the Police raided the residence of an alleged Aiye confraternity leader, Waliu Olaleye, in Igando, where operatives recovered a locally-made double-barrel pistol hidden inside the ceiling of his apartment.
The suspect is said to be assisting investigators with useful information concerning other fleeing gang members.
Elsewhere, operatives arrested a 57-year-old driver, Akintayo Wasiu, in Ibadan for allegedly stealing his employer’s Toyota Hiace bus, changing the vehicle’s documents, and relocating to evade arrest.
The Police also intercepted an alleged armed robbery suspect during a stop-and-search operation in Shasha, recovering a Taiwanese-made revolver pistol, live ammunition, a knife, and a Toyota Corolla vehicle.
Additional recoveries made by the Command included locally fabricated pistols, magazines, ammunition, and a motorcycle allegedly abandoned by fleeing hoodlums in Ikola.
CP Fatai Tijani said the successes recorded within the month reflected the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, strategic surveillance, and proactive operational deployments across Lagos. “The Command wishes to assure all Lagosians that there will be no hiding place for criminal elements within the state,” he said, while urging residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
He added that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.