The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended four individuals, including a petrol station manager, for their alleged involvement in an armed robbery syndicate responsible for multiple attacks across the state.
The suspects — Noble Saint Neokoro, Batomie Samson, Abubakar Ali, and Bitrus Ibrahim — were arrested by operatives of the command’s Tactical Squad Hawk during a covert operation in the Ejigbo area. The arrests followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
Initial investigations indicate that the manager of a local filling station was among those detained, though the station’s owner reportedly had no knowledge of the criminal activities associated with the premises. Sources close to the probe confirmed that the suspects have confessed to being part of a robbery gang.
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle a syndicate that specialises in hijacking trucks transporting petroleum products and other goods.
“The Tactical Squad Hawk carried out the operation that led to the arrest of four suspects, including a fuel station manager,” Hundeyin stated. “The owner of the station has denied any involvement. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, also played a vital role in the apprehension of the manager.”
He further revealed that the arrests are linked to an earlier incident on June 28, during which a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, was hijacked and later discovered empty in the Orile area of Lagos.
That operation led to the arrest of seven other suspects at a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen fuel was reportedly being discharged. The suspects arrested in that case were named as Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, Kayode Falodun, Ojo Ayodele, Ayomide Thompson, Ahmed Saliu, Igbalaye Kareem, and Babatunde Ahmed. The recovered tanker has since been secured and documented as evidence.
SP Hundeyin confirmed that all suspects are cooperating with investigators and will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of the probe.