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Lagos Billionaire-kidnappers: Police Identify Another Key Gang Member, Uncover Details Of Last Operation

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Detectives from the Special Squad Unit of the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered the identity of a key member of the notorious gang of billionaire kidnappers killed during their raid at Ladipo Market last month.

Previously, only one gang leader, the prominent Nollywood actor/producer Prince Henry Ode from Port Harcourt, had been identified, together with about four members of his colleagues in the film making industry. who were also involved in the violent confrontation with the police.

Extensive Case Files in Lagos

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Recent investigations led by CSP Kehinde Oni revealed a staggering 42 case files related to the gang’s operations across various police stations in Lagos.

READ ALSO: Residents Protest, Burn Tyres In Osun Community Over Alleged Imposition Of Monarch

“It was a shocking discovery,” CSP Oni remarked. “The sheer volume of evidence against the gang underscores the extent of their criminal activities.”

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Details of the Final Operation

Before their raid on Ladipo Market, the gang had kidnapped a wealthy female supermarket owner from Ago Okota, extorting N68 million in ransom.

CCTV footage from the supermarket showed an informant, later identified as Uzoamaka, entering the store to scout the area. “Our investigation revealed that Uzoamaka played a crucial role in this operation,” said a police source. “He was seen in the footage ensuring the coast was clear before the gang moved in.”

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READ ALSO: ‘I’ve Become An Evangelist’ – Doyin Okupe

Notorious Sharpshooter

Uzoamaka is renowned in criminal circles for his exceptional marksmanship and specialized training in arms handling.

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He was known as one of the sharpest shooters in the criminal world,” said another police official. “His skills were highly regarded, but we had no idea he was connected to the kidnappings in Lagos until now.”

During the Ladipo Market operation, Uzoamaka fired the first shot when a decoy car blocked the gang’s path. “The shot he fired was intended to intimidate and eliminate anyone obstructing their escape,” explained CSP Oni. “It struck the car’s headrest but narrowly missed our officer.”

Ongoing Investigation

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Detectives continue their efforts to identify all victims involved in the Ladipo raid. However, families of the deceased have been reluctant to come forward.

“We’re working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the gang’s operations,” stated a police insider. “It’s clear that many have been hiding information, but we’re confident that further investigation will expose everything and reveal the complete truth.”

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Police Recover 75 Stolen Phones, Five Laptops In Lagos

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The Lagos State Police Command has recovered 75 mobile gadgets and five laptops abandoned by fleeing suspects during a routine patrol conducted by the Rapid Response Squad in Ikeja.

The operation, according to the command, was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and combat property crimes across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the recovery followed the interception of two suspects who abandoned two large “Ghana Must Go” bags upon sighting police operatives near Allen Roundabout, Ikeja.

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On Sunday, 5th October, 2025, at about 5:30 a.m., operatives inspected the bags and discovered 32 iPhones of different models, 38 other smartphones of various brands such as Samsung, Redmi, Tecno, and Honour, as well as five laptops, several smart wristwatches, AirPods, a Samsung Tab, and a Sorapad.”

READ ALSO:Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Speaking on the recovery, the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye, said, “Preliminary investigation indicates that the items were stolen property hurriedly abandoned by the suspects.”

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“Members of the public who may have lost similar devices are advised to visit the RRS Headquarters, Alausa, with verifiable proof of ownership for proper identification and reclaim,” the statement read.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, commended the RRS operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.

He assured residents that the command would continue to enhance patrol visibility and maintain public safety across all parts of Lagos.

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READ ALSO:Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

The command had earlier arrested four members of a notorious car-snatching and armed robbery syndicate said to be responsible for several violent attacks on vehicle owners within and outside the state.

In a statement on Friday, Adebisi said the suspects were arrested by officers of the Command’s Tactical Squads following intelligence-led operations between October 15 and 17.

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Adebisi said, “The notorious and vicious armed robbery and car-snatching gang was responsible for a series of violent attacks on vehicle owners.”

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NSCDC Mining Marshals Smash Illegal Mineral Storage Network In Rivers

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals, South-South Zone, have dismantled an illegal mineral storage network uncovered within the Onne axis of Rivers State.

CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

According to the statement, the efforts was in a bold step to protect the nation’s resources and ensure the safety of local communities.

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READ ALSO:FG To Disburse ₦6.3bn Interest-free Loans To 21,000 Flood Victims

It said the operation, led by DSC Emmanuel Abiahu, followed credible intelligence and was carried out in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, just as the team discovered warehouses stockpiling mined minerals without valid permits, licenses or evidence of royalty payment to the Federal Government.

It said the illegal activities does not only undermine the economy but also poses environmental and safety risks to residents.

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DSC Abiahu noted that the action was in direct response to the directive of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, who has consistently emphasized the need to protect Nigeria’s solid mineral wealth and create a fair, regulated space for legitimate miners, investors, and communities that depend on the sector for livelihood.

READ ALSO:FG To Disburse ₦6.3bn Interest-free Loans To 21,000 Flood Victims

He warned that all operators within the region must comply with the law or face decisive enforcement action, adding that the Corps remains committed to safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the environment through sustained surveillance and collaboration with stakeholders.

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The NSCDC called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that will help curb illegal mining and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s natural resources serve the people and the nation at large.

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Nigerian Troops Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Chinese Nationals

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The Nigerian Army has rescued at least 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, on Saturday.

The statement said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025, adding that the operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.

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READ ALSO:FG, Nigerian Army Intensify Forces To Combat Proliferation Of small Arms, Light Weapons

According to the army, the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states, stressing that some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.

It further explained that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.

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READ ALSO:Insecurity: Army HQ Directs GOC Ibadan To Relocate To Kwara

“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.

“The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.

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“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months,” the statement said.

 

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