The Nigeria Police Force has dismantled a major syndicate involved in the diversion of goods in Lagos and Ogun states, recovering items worth over N60 million.

In a coordinated operation, police raided several warehouses and arrested members of the syndicate who specialised in hijacking trailer loads of essential commodities meant for legitimate markets.

The recovered goods include thousands of bags of rice, flour, sugar, and other food items. Police say the criminals would intercept trucks on major highways, coerce or intimidate drivers, and redirect the goods to their private stores for sale at inflated prices.

The Lagos State Police Command described the operation as a significant blow to economic saboteurs who exploit the current hardship faced by Nigerians. The command warned that anyone caught diverting goods meant for public consumption will be treated as an economic criminal.

A police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate still at large. The recovered items will be returned to their rightful owners after proper documentation.

This latest success adds to recent efforts by security agencies to protect the supply chain and prevent artificial scarcity caused by criminal activities. Many traders and consumers have welcomed the development, calling for more frequent operations to curb such practices.

The police have urged transporters and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity along the highways.