The police command in Lagos State has neutralised nine kidnapping suspects during a gun battle in the Ladipo area of the state.

The police public relations officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this while addressing reporters at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

He said the command recorded a major breakthrough on Thursday.

“Our intelligence gathering assets yielded very credible and actionable intelligence about a dangerous and very notorious gang of kidnappers planning to kidnap some high-profile individuals in Lagos.

“Upon receipt of this intelligence about two weeks ago, CP Fayoade directed the Command’s Tactical Teams to commence work on it,” said Mr Hundeyin.

He said the police followed up closely, monitored dutifully and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike on Thursday in Ladipo.

“The kidnappers, who were caught unawares, would not give up easily as they engaged the police officers in a shootout.

“They, of course, bowed to the superior firepower of the police. Nine of them were neutralised while two escaped with gunshot injuries,” Mr Hundeyin said.

The PPRO said police recovered four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, one Point of Sale (PoS) machine and a loudspeaker from the suspects.

He added that the police also recovered two operational vehicles: one black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350.

According to him, investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“It is worthy of note that the command has been on the trail of this gang for the past eight months for their numerous kidnapping of wealthy individuals in the Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo and Ladipo areas of Lagos State,” said Mr Hundeyin.

He said the command had also recorded several other breakthroughs in arresting kidnappers and armed robbers.

“Many of these were not made public so as to protect the identity of members of the public that made the information available,” he said.

Mr Hundeyin appealed to residents to report anybody with gunshot injuries.

“We urge everyone, including medical practitioners, to be on the lookout for anyone with gunshot injuries and promptly inform the nearest police station or call any of our emergency numbers if they come across any.

“On our part, we promise to continue to prioritise the safety and security of citizens,” he said.

(NAN)