In a swift, intelligence-driven operation, the Zone 2 Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a sophisticated burglary and armed robbery network that terrorised highbrow estates across Lagos Island, recovering luxury vehicles, weapons, gadgets and jewellery worth billions of naira.
Briefing journalists at Onikan, Lagos, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, said the breakthrough followed clear operational directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, underscoring the Command’s resolve to nip crime in the bud and restore public confidence.
The operation was triggered by a petition from residents of Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, detailing a wave of burglaries and armed robberies that saw homes ransacked and valuables carted away. Similar complaints from other neighbourhoods heightened the urgency.
Acting on a tip-off, operatives of the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit swooped on a short-let apartment along Femi Pedro Street on February 6, arresting the alleged mastermind, Francis Fidelis, alongside three accomplices. The sting ran into the early hours of February 7.
Recovered exhibits painted a picture of a well-oiled criminal enterprise: two luxury SUVs, a black plastic pistol, crowbars, pliers, knives, screwdrivers, mobile phones, iPads, backpacks, charms and a trove of jewellery including earrings, watches, rings and bangles.
Police investigations revealed that Fidelis, who reportedly relocated from Port Harcourt, strategically rented short-let apartments within gated communities to gain easy access to targets in Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1 and other elite enclaves.
Masked and hooded during operations, the suspect allegedly posed as a lone actor, striking swiftly before vanishing. He reportedly confessed to multiple robberies and to looting properties valued at over ₦3 billion.
His confession led to the arrest of Hassan Atahiru, identified as a key receiver of stolen items. Police said Atahiru admitted buying gold, diamonds and luxury watches, some of which were ferried across the border to Benin Republic to evade detection.
Investigators also uncovered that proceeds from the crimes were used to purchase a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE valued at about ₦74 million for the suspect, highlighting the scale and audacity of the racket.
AIG Fayoade assured that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court, warning criminal elements that Lagos and Ogun States are under relentless surveillance as the Police intensify intelligence-led operations to keep communities safe.