OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, has recorded major breakthroughs in its crackdown on violent and economic crimes, arresting an alleged robbery mastermind operating in highbrow Lagos estates and dismantling a nationwide adulterated engine oil syndicate.
The operations were carried out under the supervision of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke M. Fayoade, in line with the intelligence-driven policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The breakthrough followed petitions dated February 4, 2026, from the Parkview Residents Association in Ikoyi, alongside complaints from residents of Banana Island and other affected individuals over repeated cases of burglary, house-breaking and armed robbery within their estates.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit stormed a short-let apartment at George Residence on Femi-Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, on February 6, 2026.
The operation, which began at about 7 a.m. and continued into the early hours of the following day, led to the arrest of the alleged principal suspect, Francis Fidelis, 34.
Three accomplices were also apprehended: Hassan Atahiru, 43; Ikpi Johnson Ibiang, 30; and Aishatu Seni Ali, 25.
Police investigations revealed that Fidelis, said to be a resident of Port Harcourt, travelled to Lagos and secured short-let apartments in Parkview Estate, Banana Island and Lekki Phase 1, allegedly using his girlfriend’s identity and wearing face masks to avoid detection.
He reportedly paid over ₦10 million upfront for one of the apartments, gaining the confidence of property managers and securing estate access cards that enabled unrestricted movement. For more than three months, he allegedly operated undetected, using a tinted vehicle and disguises during his activities.
According to police findings, the suspect used a toy pistol, knives and other weapons to intimidate victims. CCTV footage reportedly captured him scaling fences to gain access to homes.
Recovered items include luxury vehicles, seven mobile phones, four iPads, large quantities of gold jewellery, wristwatches, rings, necklaces, burglary tools, a plastic pistol, charms and knives.
Police said the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing property valued at over ₦3 billion from Parkview Estate, Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1 and other high-end locations since 2025.
Hassan Atahiru was identified as an alleged receiver of stolen goods, reportedly transporting items to Cotonou in the Benin Republic. Police said efforts are ongoing to recover additional valuables believed to have been moved outside Nigeria.
The Chief Security Officer of Parkview Estate, Mr. Daramola Adewale Dauda, commended the police for their swift response, noting that intelligence gathering and CCTV footage were instrumental in identifying the suspect.
He said the estate had suffered repeated incidents of burglary, with residents losing gold, jewellery, wristwatches and other valuables, prompting the petition to the police authorities.
Daramola added that the estate has since strengthened its security architecture and pledged continued collaboration with the police to prevent future breaches.
In a separate operation, the Zone 2 Command uncovered and dismantled a criminal network allegedly involved in the nationwide production and distribution of adulterated engine oil.
The case followed a petition to the AIG’s office, which led to a discreet investigation by the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit.
The Police arrested Ngwu Samuel Ebezimakor, 26, identified as the alleged mastermind. He reportedly confessed to producing and importing adulterated engine oil from China before distributing the products across Nigeria.
Coordinated raids conducted in Imo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos and Ogun states led to the recovery of 280 gallons of suspected adulterated engine oil.
The products were examined by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which confirmed that they failed to meet Nigeria Industrial Standards.
Police described the activity as a serious economic crime capable of damaging vehicle engines, endangering road users and undermining legitimate businesses.
AIG Fayoade commended the Zonal Anti-Piracy Unit for its professionalism and reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for violent crime and economic sabotage.
“These breakthroughs send a clear message that criminal enterprises, no matter how sophisticated, will be dismantled,” he said, assuring that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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