The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a five-man armed robbery and vehicle theft gang responsible for several attacks across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, confirmed the arrest Friday to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) during a police operation carried out in the Igando area of Lagos.
The operation, which was led by the Commissioner himself, also had in attendance senior officers, including the Commander of Area M, Idimu, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, and the Commander of the Tactical and Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
According to CP Jimoh, the operation led to the arrest of the gang’s driver and the recovery of stolen vehicles, firearms, ammunition, and charms used by the suspects.
Speaking to journalists at the suspects’ residence in Igando, the Police Commissioner disclosed that three of the gang members were apprehended inside the building behind him following sustained surveillance.
Items recovered from the suspects included two vehicles, one pump-action rifle, one English-made pistol, several cartridges, and charms believed to have been used to protect them during their criminal operations.
The arrest followed a detailed investigation by the Command, which was triggered by a complaint from one of the victims whose vehicle had been stolen. The inquiry eventually led to the recovery of five stolen vehicles within Lagos and neighboring states over the past 10 days.
CP Jimoh explained that the suspects specialized in disguising as passengers to rob motorists of their vehicles and valuables during transit. He said the gang had been operating within Lagos and its outskirts for several months before their eventual arrest.
The Police Commissioner used the opportunity to warn members of the public, especially civil servants and private-sector workers, against the risky habit of picking up passengers to offset fuel costs.
“It is unfortunate that some people expose themselves to danger by giving rides to strangers,” he said. “Instead of risking your life to earn a little money for fuel, ration your resources wisely and avoid endangering yourself.”
He advised motorists not to drive vehicles with insufficient fuel, warning that being stranded at odd hours or in isolated areas could make them easy targets for criminals.
CP Jimoh also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and provision of necessary equipment for the Command. He equally commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent assistance in strengthening policing across the state.
One of the suspects, who acted as the gang’s driver, told journalists that he had lived in Igando since 2013 and received ₦500,000 for each operation. Another suspect, popularly called “Pastor,” claimed he was only nicknamed so because of the services he rendered to others, not because he was ordained.
“I didn’t know it was robbery at first,” the driver said. “They told me the vehicle had customs papers, and I believed them.”
A victim identified as Seyi, whose complaint led to the arrest of the suspects, narrated how his car was snatched around 9 p.m. on September 7 along the Amikanle area of Alagbado.
He explained that the robbers approached his car, ordered him to roll down his window, and pointed a gun at him before taking his phones, jewelry, and vehicle.
“I thank the Lagos Police Command, especially the Anti-Robbery and Kidnapping Squad, for recovering my car without asking for any payment,” Seyi said, adding that he was able to identify one of the suspects during the police parade.
