The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commended the outstanding bravery and professionalism of SP Banti Adamu and his 24 members tactical team; Lagos Police Command Tactical Squad 1, while serving under the leadership of retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Kehinde Johnson Oni, Ph.D, and former Commissioner of Police in Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade now AIG in charge of Zone 2 Police Command (comprising Lagos and Ogun States).
The outstanding honor is for their heroic dismantling of the dangerous Ladipo billionaire kidnap syndicate notorious for targeting wealthy Igbo businessmen among other victims across the state. Their devious acts were quelled late 2024.
The success of SP Banti Adamu and his team have become a legacy of service which will continue to inspire the policing community. The Governor’s commendation award honors came during the 19th Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) Annual Town Hall meeting on Security held yesterday Thursday, 11th December, 2025.
The gang, described as one of the most sophisticated abduction cells specialised in targeting their victims who are usually stupendously rich and they end up collecting ransom in both naira and dollars well known for operating around Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Okota, the popular auto spare parts market, Ladipo; Festac and other environs and always disappear through the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, meander through the ever-busy Second Rainbow Bus stop and Apple Junction and end up in a yet-to-be-known enclave.
From there they negotiate the ransom for their victim before relocating out of the Lagos, they always insist in collecting not less than N1 billion or their victim will be killed. They also threaten to kill their victims should information about them leak to the police. Their defeat, coordinated by retired CSP Oni’s team, marked one of the most significant security breakthroughs in recent years.
Other officers honored following the recommendations of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh at the town hall meeting includes; Commander, RRS Lagos, CSP Shola Jejeloye; CSP; CSP Salako; OC Anti Kidnapping Squad, CSP Cirman; Late DPO Festac Division, CSP Matilda Ngbaronye; DSP Abraham Godwin; ASP Livinus Michael.
The Governor hailed the high-risk operation as a masterclass in discipline, intelligence, and commitment to public safety.
The awardees expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
The Town Hall meeting was attended by top security chiefs, private sector donors, and captains of industry.
Dignitaries present at the 19th LSSTF Annual Town Hall meeting on Security include the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of the Board of LSSTF, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi Etti; the Founder and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; industrialist and philanthropist Chief Kessington Adebutu represented by his Son/MD/CEO of JB Farms, Mr. Ajibola Adebutu; Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun; Chairman of Coronation Group, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; the MD of Providus Bank, Walter Akpani; the Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Zone II, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP. Moshood Jimoh; Managing Director of FirstBank Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu; Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc., Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna and Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro.
Others are the Lagos Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Director General/CEO of National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Engr. Dr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote; Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa represented by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe; former Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora; the former Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; pioneer Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Mr. Fola Arthur Worrey; Managing Director, Executive Trainers Ltd, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Ogunsan; Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Rotimi Fashola; diplomats from China, Cameroon, Canada, and USA, Chairmen from Lagos Conference 57, Oba Alara of Ilara, HRM Oba Ogunsanwo among many others.
