Police Smash ₦3bn Robbery Syndicate in Lagos, Recover Luxury Vehicles, Jewellery
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a high-profile robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of burglaries across upscale estates in Lagos, recovering luxury vehicles, jewellery, and other valuables worth millions of naira.
Addressing journalists at the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the zone, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, said the breakthrough followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Fayoade noted that the Command remains resolute in its mandate to curb violent crimes, including armed robbery, house breaking, burglary, stealing, and fraud across Lagos and Ogun States.
How the Operation Unfolded
The operation was triggered by a written petition dated February 4, 2026, from the Parkview Residents Association, Ikoyi, Lagos, over recurring robbery incidents within the estate. According to the AIG, several homes had been burgled, with high-value properties carted away. Additional complaints of similar incidents were also received from other areas.
The case was subsequently assigned to the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit for discreet investigation. Acting on credible intelligence and surveillance, operatives launched a sting operation on February 6, 2026, leading to the arrest of the principal suspect, Francis Fidelis, at a short-let apartment known as George Residence on Femi-Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi.
The operation extended into the early hours of February 7, resulting in the arrest of three additional suspects and the recovery of several incriminating items.
Suspects Arrested
The police identified the suspects as:
- Francis Fidelis, 34
- Hassan Atahiru, 43
- Ikpi Johnson Ibiang, 30
- Aishatu Seni Ali, 25
Exhibits Recovered
Items recovered during the operation include:
- A dark grey unregistered Mercedes Benz GLE (Chassis No: 4JGED6EB7JA094974)
- A black Lexus RX 350 (Reg. No: AB451KR)
- A black plastic pistol
- Five crowbars, three pliers, one serrated kitchen knife, one adjustable spanner, and three screwdrivers
- Disguises including a black hoodie, black facemask, black shirt, and hand gloves
- Seven mobile phones and four iPads
- Multiple pieces of jewellery, including earrings, wristwatches, rings, gold bangles, pendants, necklaces, and hand chains
- Two backpacks containing various items
- Charms
Inside the Syndicate
Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, a resident of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, relocated to Lagos last year and strategically rented short-let apartments within high-brow gated communities to facilitate access to targeted estates.
Police said the suspect allegedly operated in disguise, wearing hoodies and facemasks during robberies. He reportedly confessed to carrying out multiple robbery operations in Parkview Estate, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1, and other upscale estates within the Lagos Island axis.
According to the police, he admitted to stealing properties valued at over ₦3 billion before his arrest.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Hassan Atahiru, who allegedly served as a receiver of stolen goods. He reportedly confessed to purchasing gold and diamond jewellery, gold bars, designer watches, and other valuables from the principal suspect.
Police also disclosed that some of the stolen items were moved to Cotonou, Benin Republic, through an accomplice in an attempt to evade detection. Part of the proceeds from the robberies was allegedly used to purchase a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE valued at ₦74 million for the principal suspect.
Police Reaffirm Commitment
Fayoade assured residents of Lagos and Ogun States that the Zone 2 Command would sustain aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks and protect lives and property.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information, stressing that community collaboration remains critical in combating crime.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
