Police in Lagos have uncovered what appears to be an inside operation involving a fuel station manager and three others who were allegedly running a robbery syndicate targeting fuel tankers and goods trucks across the state.

The suspects Noble Saint Neokoro (44), Batomie Samson (48), Abubakar Ali (47), and Bitrus Ibrahim (42) were arrested in the Ejigbo area after intelligence reports prompted a discreet investigation. One of the men arrested is the manager of a filling station believed to have been used as a base for the criminal operation. The station’s owner, however, reportedly had no knowledge of the illegal activities.

Authorities say the suspects have confessed to being part of an armed gang that has been linked to previous cases of fuel hijacking in Lagos. Their arrest followed an earlier police operation in June, where seven other suspects were captured and a stolen tanker, already emptied was recovered at Orile.

Lagos Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests and said the Tactical Squad Hawk led the operation. He also revealed that the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) played a role in assisting law enforcement in tracking down the station manager.

According to Hundeyin, the group had been involved in hijacking fuel-laden trucks and offloading the contents at discreet locations, including the station where they were eventually arrested. A second tanker used to transport the stolen fuel has been recovered and marked as evidence.

State Police Commissioner, Olohundare Jimoh, praised the tactical unit’s swift action and encouraged Lagos residents to keep providing useful tips to aid in tackling organized crime. He assured the public that all suspects will be charged once investigations are concluded.

The incident raises broader concerns about the use of legitimate businesses as cover for organized crime, especially in a city already battling fuel-related theft and truck hijackings.