The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a syndicate allegedly responsible for diverting imported goods worth more than N20bn over the past 19 years.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following complaints from importers over missing consignments.
They were identified as Lateef Jamiu, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna.
Police sources identified Jamiu and Amadu as alleged leaders of one of the two major goods-diversion syndicates operating in the country.
The suspects allegedly target high-value consignments and pose as legitimate transporters to gain access to imported goods at the Lagos ports before diverting them to other locations.
According to a police source, Jamiu and Amadu own several trailers and had previously been arrested and prosecuted over similar allegations. They were reportedly released from prison earlier this year.
“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 said.
The source said four members of the syndicate, including the two alleged leaders, were released from prison in February, while some of their drivers were released about two months later.
The suspects allegedly operated by monitoring transportation requests around Lagos ports and joining WhatsApp groups used by transporters and logistics companies.
“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,” the source said.
Police reportedly recovered 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards from Amadu during his latest arrest. The source said he had previously been arrested in 2023 with 49 phones and 188 SIM cards.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate had diverted consignments worth more than N20bn since it began operating about 19 years ago.
In its latest operation, the group allegedly diverted forklifts, fabrics, imported plates and other goods valued at about N3bn.
According to the police source, the suspects agreed to transport the consignment from Lagos to Kano but allegedly diverted it to Ojota, Lagos, where the goods were offloaded and sold to alleged receivers.
One of the alleged leaders, Jamiu, reportedly admitted to the diversion during police interrogation.
He allegedly told investigators that the goods were loaded at the Lagos port for delivery to Kano but were instead taken to Ojota and sold to receivers.
The investigation reportedly led police to some of the diverted fabrics at a market in Agege, Lagos, where the importer identified the goods.
Further investigation resulted in the arrest of alleged receivers, truck drivers and the two suspected leaders.
Police sources said the suspects had allegedly told the importer that their truck broke down in Mokwa, Niger State, and subsequently collected money purportedly to repair it.
Amadu, 45, reportedly told investigators that he had worked with Jamiu in diverting goods for about 19 years after they met while working as truck drivers.
Police also alleged that members of the syndicate had acquired properties and investments in Niger Republic, Benin Republic and other locations.
Confirming the arrests, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, described the operation as a major breakthrough by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Adebisi said the investigation was ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more goods allegedly diverted during previous operations.
She said the operation was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to intensify efforts against economic crimes and sabotage.
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