The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a den disguised as a shrine, reportedly used by a notorious kidnapping syndicate in the Idimu area. At least 14 suspects have been arrested in connection with the operation.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led journalists on a tour of the premises along Pipeline Road on Wednesday, explaining that the suspects were members of the infamous “one-chance” criminal gang operating across Lagos State.

The arrests followed intelligence-led stop-and-search operations conducted in the early hours of Sunday. Three suspects were initially intercepted at Bode Thomas, Surulere, while traveling in a vehicle allegedly used to pick up unsuspecting victims, particularly at night or early morning.

“The syndicate lures victims with promises of foreign currency sales or fraudulent investment schemes that claim to double money, before taking them to the shrine,” Jimoh said. “The gang is led by Demola Adelua, who has been active for over eight years and controls six operational teams across the state. Victims who comply are released, but those who resist are confined in this shrine and their relatives contacted to pay ransom.”

Jimoh noted that while Lagos does not experience widespread conventional kidnapping, “one-chance” fraud often escalates into kidnapping when victims refuse to cooperate. The gang frequently targeted early-morning worshippers, exploiting low movement and limited police presence.

“Only two formal complaints were initially received, prompting tactical stop-and-search operations in the area,” the CP said. “The initial arrests led us to this operational base, where weapons and other tools used in their crimes were recovered. Subsequent raids in the vicinity led to the arrest of additional gang members, bringing the total to 14 suspects.”

The gang reportedly operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna used to pick up victims from bus stops and other locations. Police efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining vehicles.

During the site visit, suspects gave details of their operations. Rotimi Adilola admitted the premises served as the gang’s operational base. Amos Ogunna, who claimed ownership of the shrine, described it as resembling a church and explained how victims were brought in, with payments ranging from N100,000 to N200,000.

Emmanuel Njoku, arrested at Bode Thomas, described how victims were lured with promises of transportation or foreign currency. He claimed those who resisted were sometimes returned with transport fare. Another suspect, Tina Willy from Akwa Ibom State, said she joined the syndicate after her husband’s death and confirmed that some victims had been fully kidnapped after refusing to cooperate.

Jimoh reassured Lagos residents that the police command is monitoring the security situation closely and vowed to investigate all members of the syndicate, including those traveling from neighboring states to commit crimes.

He also announced a reinforcement of the state’s security architecture, including the deployment of tactical teams, an undercover “walk-and-operate” squad, a coast drive strike force, and a soon-to-be-launched anti-crime patrol and community protection squad.

“I want to assure Lagosians that they can conduct their lawful activities without fear. Full deployment has been carried out across all areas of the state,” the Commissioner emphasized.