The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six individuals suspected of being part of a goods diversion syndicate. The suspects, identified as Jamiu Lateef, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami, and Hassana Haruna, were apprehended by operatives of the command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The arrests followed complaints from importers about missing consignments transported from the Apapa Port.
According to the police, the syndicate is one of two major organised goods diversion groups operating in the country. The other group is allegedly based in Kaduna. The suspects are accused of diverting high-value imported goods after securing transportation contracts from importers and logistics operators at the port. Investigations revealed that the group targeted consignments worth millions or billions of naira.
Some members of the syndicate have previously been arrested and prosecuted for similar offences. The police allege that most of the members have been arrested multiple times in the past and returned to crime after being released from prison due to the bailability of the offence. Four members of the syndicate, including two suspected leaders, were released from prison in February 2026.
The suspects allegedly operated around the Lagos ports, monitoring requests from importers seeking trucks to transport their consignments. They also joined WhatsApp groups operated by transporters and logistics companies, where requests for trucks were advertised. Once they secured a contract, they would disappear with the goods and erase their trail by changing phones and SIM cards.
Police recovered 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards from Abubakar Amadu during his arrest. He had previously been arrested in 2023 with 49 phones and 188 SIM cards. The latest investigation followed the alleged diversion of forklifts, fabrics, imported plates, and other goods valued at about N3 billion.
One of the suspected leaders, Jamiu Lateef, reportedly confessed during interrogation that the group agreed to transport goods to Kano but diverted the consignment to Ojota, where it was sold to receivers. The suspects had allegedly informed the importer that their truck had broken down in Mokwa, Niger State, and collected money from him.
The six suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police have not disclosed further details about the investigation or potential additional arrests. The alleged diversion of goods worth over N20 billion has significant implications for the country's import and logistics sectors.
Key points
- Six suspects arrested for allegedly diverting N20bn goods from Lagos port
- The syndicate targeted consignments worth millions or billions of naira
- Some members of the syndicate have previously been arrested and prosecuted for similar offences
