The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a notorious syndicate that allegedly diverted imported goods worth over N20 billion in the last 19 years.
The suspects were picked up by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following repeated complaints from importers over missing consignments from the Lagos ports.
Those arrested were identified as Lateef Jamiu, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna.
Police sources identified Jamiu and Amadu as the alleged ringleaders of one of the two major goods-diversion syndicates operating in the country.
According to investigators, the syndicate targets high-value consignments and poses as legitimate transporters to gain access to imported goods at the ports before diverting them.
The suspects allegedly monitor transportation requests around the Lagos ports and infiltrate WhatsApp groups used by transporters and logistics companies to get jobs.
“Once they get the offer, they disappear with the goods and erase every trace that could lead to their whereabouts by changing their phones and SIM cards,” a police source said.
Police reportedly recovered 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards from Amadu during his latest arrest. The source disclosed that he had previously been arrested in 2023 with 49 phones and 188 SIM cards.
The source further revealed that Jamiu and Amadu own several trailers and had been arrested and prosecuted in the past over similar offences. They were reportedly released from prison in February this year, while some of their drivers regained freedom about two months later.
“Most of the members have been arrested many times in the past, and because it is a bailable offence, they returned to the crime once they were released from prison,” the source added.
In their latest operation, the gang allegedly diverted forklifts, fabrics, imported plates and other goods valued at about N3 billion.
Investigators said the suspects agreed to transport the consignment from Lagos to Kano but instead diverted it to Ojota in Lagos, where the goods were offloaded and sold to alleged receivers.
One of the alleged leaders, Jamiu, reportedly confessed to the diversion during interrogation, admitting that goods meant for Kano were sold at Ojota.
The investigation led operatives to a market in Agege, Lagos, where some of the diverted fabrics were found and identified by the importer.
Further investigation led to the arrest of alleged receivers and truck drivers, including the two suspected leaders.
Police sources said the suspects had deceived the importer by claiming their truck broke down in Mokwa, Niger State, and even collected money to repair it.
Amadu, 45, reportedly told investigators that he had been working with Jamiu in diverting goods for about 19 years after they met as truck drivers.
Police also alleged that members of the syndicate had acquired properties and investments in Niger Republic, Benin Republic and other locations from the proceeds.
Confirming the arrests, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, described the operation as a major breakthrough by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
She said investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover more diverted goods, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to clamp down on economic crimes and sabotage.
