The Lagos State Police Command has made significant strides in dismantling armed robbery gangs targeting ride-hailing drivers, including operators of Uber, Bolt, and Lagride. These criminals have turned Lagos’s bustling transport system into a danger zone, leaving a trail of death and stolen vehicles.
While addressing journalists at the police command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, provided a grim overview of recent operations. He revealed that during the last quarter of 2024 and early 2025, the command successfully prosecuted offenders for 2,176 cases, ranging from armed robbery to murder and cultism.
“Unfortunately, three officers of the command paid the ultimate price during this period,” Ishola stated solemnly.
Deadly Schemes Unveiled
Among the chilling incidents cited by Ishola was the brutal murder of an Uber driver on January 9, 2025. The victim, whose name has been withheld, had picked up four young men—Emeka Akwara, 19; David Segun, 21; Samuel Ariori, 21; and Lukman Ariori, 19—from Chevron in Lekki, heading towards Obalende.
“In a secluded area of Obalende, they robbed and stabbed the driver multiple times in the neck. The perpetrators failed to escape with the vehicle due to the intervention of good Samaritans who handed two of the suspects over to the police,” Ishola explained.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the remaining two suspects, bringing the gang’s reign of terror to an end. Yet, the Commissioner acknowledged this was far from an isolated case.
“In another incident, suspects Edmond Julius Abdoulaye and Saturday Okey were apprehended for murdering an Uber driver and stealing his Toyota Camry. Although the vehicle was recovered, we couldn’t save the driver’s life,” he said.
Drivers Advised to Be Cautious
The Commissioner issued a stern warning to private commercial drivers in Lagos, urging them to prioritize their safety.
“Drivers must be wary of their passengers. If possible, carry only one passenger at a time and insist they sit in the front after being searched,” Ishola advised. He also announced plans to organize security training sessions for ride-hailing drivers.
Despite the arrests, Ishola expressed concern that only a fraction of such cases might have been reported, adding, “This is just the third reported case in three months. The actual number of incidents could be much higher.”
Cultism Worsens Security Challenges
In addition to targeting ride-hailing operators, criminal gangs have been linked to a spike in cult-related violence across Lagos. Ishola recounted a harrowing timeline of incidents that illustrate the deadly grip of cultism on the state.
“On July 17, 2024, two individuals, Awalu and Emmanuel, were brutally murdered in Ijora Badia by rival cult members,” he said.
Through intelligence-led operations, officers arrested Samuel Ojenuga, a 22-year-old Aye Confraternity member, on October 15, 2024. Ojenuga admitted to killing 12 members of the rival Eiye Confraternity. His accomplice, Abdullahi Yusuf, confessed to three additional murders.
Arms and Ammunition Seized
As part of their crackdown, the police also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition. On December 27, 2024, authorities discovered two AK-47 rifles and a K2 assault rifle hidden in a bag on a rooftop in Lagos Island.
“These weapons had no magazines or ammunition, but their mere presence highlights the persistent threat of armed violence in the state,” Ishola noted.
A Call for Public Cooperation
The Commissioner underscored the importance of community support in combating crime. He acknowledged the role of concerned citizens who intervened in the Obalende incident and urged others to report suspicious activities promptly.
“Lagosians have been instrumental in helping us achieve these results. However, we need continued collaboration to rid the state of these criminal elements,” he said.
A Grim but Hopeful Outlook
Despite the losses suffered by the police and the gruesome nature of these crimes, Ishola reassured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety. He emphasized that the police are determined to bring all perpetrators to justice while strengthening preventive measures against such crimes.
“Our men and women remain dedicated to the cause. Lagosians can rest assured that we will not relent in our efforts to protect lives and property,” Ishola declared.
Background and Context
The spate of crimes targeting ride-hailing drivers is not new in Nigeria. Across the country, criminals have exploited the booming ride-hailing industry to carry out heinous acts. In Lagos, which serves as the economic nerve center of Nigeria, the high demand for private transportation has attracted both legitimate operators and criminal opportunists.
The Lagos State Government has invested heavily in improving security, from surveillance technology to community policing initiatives. However, the persistence of such crimes highlights the need for further reforms and proactive measures.
The rise in cult-related violence further compounds the security challenges in the state. Rival cult groups, often fueled by territorial disputes and personal vendettas, have wreaked havoc in Lagos neighborhoods. This has led to a renewed push for community engagement and intelligence sharing between residents and law enforcement.
