Lagos Police Bust N1 Billion Fuel Theft Ring, Recover N300 Million Loot

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in the theft of premium motor spirit worth over N1 billion and staged kidnapping schemes, recovering more than N300 million in loot.

Coordinated Operations Across Lagos

Police spokesperson confirmed that multiple suspects were arrested in coordinated operations across the state. The bust followed intelligence gathering that linked the same criminal group to both large-scale fuel theft and fake kidnapping plots used to extort ransom from families.

Commissioner of Police provided an update on the operations, detailing how officers engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel over the weekend. The exchange led to the recovery of arms and the arrest of at least 10 suspects connected to the syndicate.

Over N300 million worth of stolen property and proceeds from the criminal activities were recovered during the raids.

Fuel Theft and Fake Kidnappings

Investigators discovered that the syndicate had been siphoning premium motor spirit from pipelines and storage facilities across Lagos, operating for months before being detected. The same group reportedly staged kidnappings — abducting individuals who were in on the scheme — to demand ransom from families, splitting the proceeds.

The command said it had intensified patrols and intelligence operations in areas identified as hotspots for fuel theft and kidnapping. Residents have been urged to report suspicious activity and avoid facilitating ransom payments.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

Sources: The Nation, Guardian, Business Lens Africa