Police bust cargo diversion syndicate, arrest 6 in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the diversion of imported goods worth more than N20 billion over the past 19 years.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following complaints from importers over the disappearance of consignments reportedly collected from the Apapa Port for delivery to destinations across the country.

Confirming the arrests on Friday, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, described the operation as a “major breakthrough” by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Among those arrested were suspected gang leaders Jamiu Lateef and 45-year-old Abubakar Amadu, alongside Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna.

Adebisi said the syndicate was one of two highly organised groups allegedly involved in large-scale goods diversion in Nigeria, adding that the second group reportedly operates from Kaduna.

According to him, the suspects allegedly targeted consignments valued at millions and billions of naira, using legitimate-looking transportation arrangements to gain access to imported goods.

He said some members of the syndicate had previously been arrested and prosecuted over similar offences, but allegedly returned to the business after their release.

Explaining the group’s modus operandi, the police said the suspects allegedly positioned themselves around Lagos ports and monitored requests from importers and transport companies looking for trucks to move consignments to northern, eastern and other parts of the country.

“They also join WhatsApp platforms operated by transporters and logistics companies at the ports, where transportation jobs are advertised.

“Once they secure an assignment, they allegedly disappear with the goods and subsequently change their phones and SIM cards to make tracing difficult,” it said.

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