The Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, has recorded twin major breakthroughs in its intensified war against violent and economic crimes, dismantling a sophisticated highbrow estate robbery syndicate and uncovering a nationwide engine oil adulteration network
Addressing journalists on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Adegoke M. Fayoade, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adamu Bello Mohammed, said the operations were executed in line with the intelligence-led policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun
The breakthrough followed petitions dated February 4, 2026, from Parkview Residents Association, Ikoyi, as well as Banana Island Estate and other affected individuals, over recurring cases of burglary, house-breaking and armed robbery within the estates.
Acting on credible intelligence as directed by AIG Adegoke, the Zonal Anti-piracy unit operatives stormed a short-let apartment at George Residence along Femi-Pedro Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, on February 6, 2026, arresting the principal suspect, Francis Fidelis, 34, alongside three accomplices: Hassan Atahiru, 43; Ikpi Johnson Ibiang, 30; and Aishatu Seni Ali, 25.
The police operation that led to his arrest reportedly commenced at about 7 am. on the 6th of February until the early hours of 7th February the following day, underscoring the scale and intensity of the coordinated raid
Police investigations revealed that Francis is a resident of port Harcourt in river state but came to Lagos and secured short-let apartments within Parkview Estate, Banana Island Estate and Lekki Phase 1, using his girlfriend, Aish Seni Ali’s identity, face and nose mask to evade suspicion.
He reportedly paid over ₦10 million upfront for one of the apartments, earning the confidence of apartment managers and securing estate access cards that allowed unrestricted entry and exit.
For over three months, he allegedly operated undetected, moving in and out of the estates with a tinted vehicle. During operations, he wore a face mask and used a toy pistol, knife, and other dangerous weapons to intimidate victims. CCTV footage reportedly captured him jumping over fences to gain entry into homes.
Recovered exhibits include luxury vehicles, seven mobile phones, four iPads, large quantities of gold jewelry, wristwatches, rings, necklaces, burglary tools, a plastic pistol, charms, knives and other weapons.
The suspect allegedly confessed to carting away properties valued at over ₦3 billion from Parkview Estate, Banana Island, Lekki Phase 1, and other highbrow locations since 2025.
Police also arrested Hassan Atahiru, who allegedly acted as a receiver, transporting stolen items to Cotonou, Benin Republic. Efforts are ongoing to recover additional valuables believed to have been moved outside Nigeria.
Speaking with journalist, the Chief Security Officer of Parkview Estate, Mr. Daramola Adewale Dauda, expressed appreciation to AIG Fayoade and the Zonal Anti-piracy Unit led by CSP Mariam Ogunmolasuyi for their swift responses, noting that intelligence gathering was instrumental in identifying the suspect who had been lodging within the estate for over three months.
According to him, the estate had witnessed repeated cases of burglary and house-breaking, with residents losing gold, wristwatches, jewelry, and other valuables.
“These incidents prompted us to petition the Inspector-General of Police through the AIG Zone 2. The team assigned to investigate really tried. CCTV footage confirmed the suspect. After searching his room and vehicle, numerous property was recovered, which were later identified by some of the victims,” he said.
Daramola added that estate management has since upgraded its security architecture and assured residents that such breaches would not recur, especially with sustained police collaboration.
Engine Oil Adulteration Syndicate Uncovered
In a separate operation, the command dismantled criminal syndicates involving in nationwide production and distribution of adulterated engine oil.
The case followed a petition written to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone-2, AIG Adegoke, who swung into action and directed the Zonal Anti-piracy unit for discreet investigation.
The Zonal Anti-piracy unit arrested Ngwu Samuel Ebezimakor, 26, identified as the alleged mastermind, who reportedly confessed to producing and importing the adulterated products from China before distributing them across Nigeria.
Coordinated raids across Imo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, and Ogun States led to the recovery of 280 gallons of adulterated engine oil. The seized products were examined by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, which confirmed that they failed to meet Nigeria Industrial Standards.
Police described the operation as a grave economic crime capable of damaging vehicle engines, endangering road users, and undermining legitimate businesses.
AIG Fayoade commended the Zonal Anti-piracy unit for their professionalism and reiterated 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,” the AIG stated, assuring that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
