Crime

Fuel Station Manager Among Robbery Suspects Arrested in Lagos Police Crackdown

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 5th, 2025.

Fuel Station Manager Among Robbery Suspects Arrested in Lagos Police Crackdown

In a significant move against organized crime, the Lagos State Police Command has apprehended four individuals—including a fuel station manager—believed to be members of a coordinated armed robbery syndicate operating across the state.

The arrests, made in the Ejigbo area, followed extensive intelligence gathering and discreet surveillance, according to sources within the police. The suspects—identified as Noble Saint Neokoro (44), Batomie Samson (48), Abubakar Ali (47), and Bitrus Ibrahim (42)—were taken into custody after being linked to a string of fuel tanker and truck hijackings.

Fuel Station Manager Implicated

One of the more surprising developments in the case is the arrest of a fuel station manager. While investigations have so far cleared the station’s owner of any wrongdoing, police say the manager, along with the other suspects, confessed to participating in a well-coordinated network targeting fuel and commercial transport vehicles across Lagos.

Police Confirm Bust, Cite Support from NUPENG

The Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests, noting that the Tactical Squad Hawk carried out the successful operation. He added that the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) played a key role in tracking the suspects.

“The investigation is tied to an ongoing case involving multiple fuel tanker hijackings. The filling station manager is currently in custody along with other gang members. Their confessions have been crucial,” Hundeyin stated.

Previous Operation Yields More Suspects

This latest development follows an earlier operation conducted on June 28, in which seven suspects were arrested while offloading stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the same Ejigbo fuel station. The stolen tanker had been reported missing in Surulere and was later traced to Orile, where it was recovered by police.

The individuals arrested in the previous bust include Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, Kayode Falodun, Ojo Ayodele, Ayomide Thompson, Ahmed Saliu, Igbalaye Kareem, and Babatunde Ahmed. A fuel tanker used in the operation has been seized as evidence.

CP Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the swift actions of the Tactical Squad and emphasized the command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks operating within Lagos.

“Our officers remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. We urge residents to continue providing reliable information that will aid our investigations. All suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” he said.