The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a criminal network notorious for “one-chance” and advance-fee fraud (419) operations, where suspects masquerade as commercial drivers, passengers or traders to deceive unsuspecting commuters and rob, detain or extort them under the cover of public transportation and business dealings.
Police also uncovered a building located at No. 85 Pipeline Road, near OPC Junction in the Idimu area of Lagos, which the gang allegedly used to hold victims captive until ransom payments were made by their relatives.
Thirteen suspects were arrested during the operation, including a former inmate who was released from prison last month after serving a four-month sentence, as well as a woman who reportedly posed as a prophetess to swindle victims.
Recovered from the syndicate were two vehicles used for their activities — a commercial Hiace bus with registration number MAP 523 ZYL and a Toyota car bearing registration number EPE 209 HY.
During an inspection of the hideout by the Commissioner of Police, journalists observed ritual-related items and personal belongings suspected to have been taken from victims, raising concerns about the methods used to intimidate those held at the location.
Speaking to the media, the Commissioner of Police explained that the suspects usually targeted victims very early in the morning or late at night, posing as legitimate transport operators or traders.
He said the gang operated in two ways: victims who cooperated and handed over money under the guise of business or investment were defrauded and released, while those who resisted or became suspicious were detained and their families contacted with kidnapping claims and ransom demands.
According to the CP, worshippers heading to early morning prayers and commuters at bus stops were frequent targets. Intelligence gathering and victim complaints prompted the police to carry out surveillance and establish tactical checkpoints around identified hotspots.
“Our operatives intercepted three key members of the gang, including their leaders, who led us to the operational base. A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of weapons and other incriminating items,” he said.
Further operations led to the arrest of 10 additional suspects, bringing the total number in custody to 13.
The police boss revealed that the syndicate had been active for more than eight years, using at least six vehicles — including unmarked buses and a Toyota Sienna — to carry out their crimes.
He added that some victims were drugged or threatened with dangerous objects to force compliance, noting that many similar incidents reported across Lagos were linked to the same group.
While assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing members and dismantle similar criminal rings, the CP clarified that the situation did not amount to widespread kidnapping in Lagos.
“What we are dealing with are organised ‘one-chance’ gangs who abduct people in transit and extort their families,” he said.
He advised commuters to remain alert, avoid suspicious vehicles and exercise caution when boarding public transport, stressing that personal awareness is a critical first line of defence.
Some of the suspects, while speaking to investigators, admitted to their involvement in the fraud scheme, describing how victims were selected based on perceived vulnerability and greed, with proceeds sometimes running into hundreds of thousands of naira.
