The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the diversion of imported goods worth more than N20 billion over the past 19 years.

The suspects, identified as Lateef Jamiu, Abubakar Amadu, Aliu Olanshile, Opeyemi Oyewale, Hassana Malami and Hassana Haruna, were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following complaints from importers over missing consignments.

Police sources said Jamiu and Amadu were allegedly leaders of one of the organised goods-diversion groups operating in the country.

According to the sources, the suspects operated around Lagos ports, where they allegedly approached importers seeking trucks to transport consignments to destinations in different parts of the country.

The suspects allegedly joined WhatsApp groups used by transporters and companies to monitor requests for trucks to convey imported goods.

Police said that after securing transportation contracts, the suspects allegedly loaded the goods and diverted them to other locations, while changing their phones and SIM cards to avoid being traced.

In the latest case, the suspects allegedly diverted forklifts, fabrics, imported plates and other goods valued at about N3 billion.

The goods were reportedly loaded in Lagos for transportation to Kano but were allegedly diverted to Ojota, Lagos, where they were offloaded and sold to alleged receivers.

The police said some of the diverted fabrics were later traced to a market in Agege, where the importer identified them as part of the missing consignment.

Further investigation led to the arrest of alleged receivers, truck drivers and the suspected leaders of the syndicate.

Police said 11 mobile phones and eight SIM cards were recovered from Amadu during his arrest. He had allegedly been arrested in 2023 with 49 phones and 188 SIM cards.

The command said some members of the group had previously been arrested and prosecuted for similar offences, adding that several suspects were released from prison earlier in the year.

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.

She said investigations were continuing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover goods allegedly diverted during previous operations.

Adebisi said the operation was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, to intensify efforts against economic crimes and other forms of criminal activity.