The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the diversion of imported goods valued at more than N20bn over a period of about 19 years.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following complaints from importers whose consignments reportedly disappeared after being collected for transportation from Lagos ports to other parts of the country.
The suspects were identified as Jamiu Lateef, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna.
According to police sources, Lateef and Amadu are suspected leaders of one of the organised goods-diversion groups operating in the country. The source alleged that the syndicate targeted consignments worth millions and billions of naira by presenting themselves as legitimate transporters to importers seeking trucks to move their goods.
The suspects allegedly operated around the Lagos ports, where they monitored importers looking for transportation services. They were also said to have joined WhatsApp groups used by transporters and logistics companies to advertise available transportation jobs.
Once they secured a contract, the suspects allegedly collected the goods and diverted them instead of delivering them to their intended destinations. Police sources said they would subsequently change their phones and SIM cards to make it difficult for investigators to trace them.
The latest investigation reportedly followed the diversion of forklifts, fabrics, imported plates and other goods valued at about N3bn.
Police alleged that the suspects agreed to transport the consignment from Lagos to Kano. After the goods were loaded at the port, however, they allegedly diverted the truck to Ojota in Lagos, where the consignment was offloaded and sold to alleged receivers.
One of the alleged leaders, Lateef, reportedly admitted during interrogation that the goods were diverted to Ojota instead of being delivered to Kano. He allegedly told investigators that the consignment was subsequently sold to receivers.
The suspects reportedly later informed the importer that the truck had broken down in Mokwa, Niger State, and allegedly collected money purportedly to repair the vehicle.
Investigators subsequently traced some of the allegedly diverted fabrics to a market in Agege, Lagos, where the importer reportedly identified them. Further investigation led to the arrest of alleged receivers, truck drivers and the suspected leaders of the operation.
Police also recovered 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards from Amadu during his latest arrest. According to the police source, Amadu had previously been arrested in 2023 with 49 mobile phones and 188 SIM cards.
The investigation further revealed allegations that some members of the group had previously been arrested and prosecuted for similar offences. Four members, including the two suspected leaders, were reportedly released from prison in February 2026, while some of their drivers were released about two months later.
Amadu, 45, reportedly told investigators that he had been involved in goods diversion with Lateef for about 19 years after they met while working as truck drivers for their former employers.
Police sources also alleged that the suspects had acquired investments and properties in locations including Niger Republic and the Republic of Benin. Lateef was reportedly said to travel between Nigeria and Benin, while Amadu allegedly travelled to Niger Republic following successful operations.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests and described the operation as a major achievement by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Adebisi said the investigation remained ongoing, with efforts being made to arrest other suspected members of the syndicate and recover goods allegedly diverted during previous operations.
The arrests followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for police formations to intensify the fight against activities regarded by authorities as economic sabotage.
As the investigation continues, police are expected to establish the full extent of the alleged diversion network, identify other suspected collaborators and receivers, and recover additional consignments linked to the syndicate.
