Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested four men—including a filling station manager—over their alleged involvement in a robbery gang operating across the state.
The suspects, identified as Noble Saint Neokoro (44), Batomie Samson (48), Abubakar Ali (47), and Bitrus Ibrahim (42), were arrested in the Ejigbo area following a tip-off and detailed police investigations.
A police source revealed that the gang had been on the radar of law enforcement for some time. “The manager of a fuel station is among those arrested.
Investigations so far indicate that the station owner had no knowledge of the criminal activities.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to being members of an armed robbery syndicate,” the source said.
Confirming the arrests, the Lagos police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the operation was carried out by the Tactical Squad Hawk and was supported by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Hundeyin explained that the arrests were linked to an earlier incident involving the hijacking of a fuel tanker in the state.
On June 28, the police had announced the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of a tanker loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The tanker, initially hijacked and later found empty in Orile, had been reported missing by its driver at the Surulere Police Division.
“Investigations led officers to a filling station in Ejigbo where the stolen fuel was being offloaded.
The suspects arrested at the scene—Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, Kayode Falodun, Ojo Ayodele, Ayomide Thompson, Ahmed Saliu, Igbalaye Kareem, and Babatunde Ahmed—are already assisting with ongoing inquiries,” Hundeyin said.
A tanker used to transport the stolen product was also recovered as evidence.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers involved for their swift and professional response.
He also urged residents to continue providing useful information to help security agencies maintain peace and order.
The suspects will face charges in court after investigations are concluded.