The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that some kidnappers engaged its officers in a gun battle during a foiled kidnapping attempt at Ladipo area of the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, the kidnappers had concluded to strike before they were confronted by the police on Thursday.

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Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that nine of the kidnappers were killed, while two others escaped with gunshot injuries.

He stated that the kidnappers planned to kidnap numerous wealthy individuals in Isolo, Okota, Ejigbo and Ladipo areas of Lagos State.

Hundeyin said: “Our intelligence gathering assets yielded very credible and actionable intelligence about a dangerous and very notorious gang of kidnappers planning to kidnap some high net-worth individuals in Lagos.

“Upon receipt of this intelligence about two weeks ago, CP Fayoade directed the Command’s tactical teams to commence work on it.

“They followed up closely, monitored dutifully and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike yesterday in Ladipo area of Lagos State. With the benefit of this information, we were able to proactively prepare for them and more or less laid an ambush for them.

“Four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semiautomatic pistols, nine AK47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, one POS machine and a loud speaker were recovered from them. Also recovered are their two operational vehicles: one black Toyota 4Runner and a blue Lexus RX350. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.”