The Nigerian Police Force says it has arrested a gang of kidnappers that terrorized an estate in the Isheri area of Lagos State following a massive onslaught launched by its Intelligence Response Team, IRT.

In a press release on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Don Awunah said the operation was sanctioned by the Inspector- General of Police, Ibrahim Idris,

“This feat was achieved as a result of due diligence and intelligence led policing exhibited by members of the Force and the zeal shown by public spirited citizens to rid our society of crime,” Awunah stated.

The arrested persons were alleged to have kidnapped some residents of the estate on September 27 and subsequently released them after ransoms had reportedly been paid.

The suspects include: Natei Okunna, believed to be the gang leader; James Kegbe, ThankGod Segede and Trust Bourdilon.

Awunah stated that the suspected kidnappers were arrested at different locations where they had gone to spend their share of the ransom, and during the course of investigation, they volunteered confessional statements admitting their involvement in the kidnap incident.

The police spokesman added that IGP Idris and the entire police force was committed to fighting crime, “the prevalent scourge of kidnapping” to a stand-still.

He urged the general public to always be law abiding and to see themselves as stakeholders in the cause of making Nigeria crime-free.