Police Arrest Five-Man Armed Robbery, Car Theft Gang in Lagos

Police Arrest Five-Man Armed Robbery, Car Theft Gang in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a notorious five-man armed robbery and vehicle theft gang operating across parts of the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, disclosed this during a press briefing on Friday in the Igando area of Lagos, following the arrest of the gang’s driver. He was accompanied by 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 police recovered two stolen vehicles, one pump-action automatic rifle, an English pistol, cartridges, and charms from the suspects. He said three of the gang members were apprehended in a residential building located behind the briefing venue.

He added that the Command had successfully recovered several stolen vehicles across Lagos and other states within the last ten days. The breakthrough, he explained, followed a complaint lodged by one of the victims, which prompted a detailed investigation and the eventual discovery of five stolen vehicles linked to the gang.

The police boss revealed that the suspects used various tactics, including pretending to be passengers, to dispossess unsuspecting drivers of their vehicles and valuables.

CP Jimoh warned members of the public—especially civil servants and private employees—against picking up passengers to supplement fuel costs, stressing that the practice exposes them to criminal attacks.

“It’s unfortunate that criminals now pose as passengers to rob drivers of their vehicles,” he said.
“I advise Lagos residents to avoid this practice. If you don’t have enough fuel, park your vehicle and wait until you can refuel, instead of endangering your life.”

He expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for equipping the Lagos Command and thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support in ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The Commissioner also urged residents to report suspicious individuals or activities within their communities, particularly those whose sources of livelihood appear questionable.

During interrogation, the gang’sü driver confessed to receiving ₦500,000 per operation, adding that he had lived in the Igando area since 2013. Another suspect, nicknamed “Pastor,” clarified that he was not a real clergyman but was given the title due to the “spiritual services” he rendered to the group.

One of the victims, Mr. Seyi, whose complaint led to the arrests, recounted how his car was snatched around 9 p.m. on September 7 while driving through Amikanle in Alagbado.

He explained that after briefly stopping to pick up an item, one of the robbers approached and ordered him to wind down his window.

“Before I knew it, one of them pointed a gun at me, while another came from the passenger side and entered the car,” he said.
“They took my phones, jewelry, and later ordered me out of the vehicle. I was lucky they didn’t harm me. I immediately reported to the police, and I’m grateful my vehicle was recovered without paying a dime.”

He commended the Lagos State Police Command, particularly the Tactical and Anti-Kidnapping Squad, for their professionalism and swift response that led to the recovery of his car and the arrest of the culprits.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.