The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a notorious car-snatching syndicate that operated within Lagos and neighbouring states, recovering five stolen vehicles, assorted firearms, and charms used during their operations.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this on Friday while parading the suspects at their hideout in the Igando area of Lagos.
“We have achieved another major breakthrough. Three members of the gang were arrested in their residence, which served as their operational base where they planned and launched attacks on unsuspecting motorists,” Jimoh said.
According to the police boss, the syndicate specialised in posing as passengers before attacking drivers during transit.
“They would board vehicles pretending to be passengers, and as the trip progressed, they overpowered and robbed the driver of the vehicle,” he explained.
Jimoh cautioned motorists—particularly civil servants and professionals—against carrying strangers for money to offset fuel expenses.
“It is very dangerous. If you cannot afford fuel, please park your car until you can. Many of these criminals exploit such opportunities,” he warned.
The commissioner said that one of the recent incidents occurred in the Lekki-Ajah area but investigations later revealed that the same group had carried out similar attacks in Oyo and Edo States.
“Our deep investigation into a single case led to several recoveries. So far, five vehicles have been retrieved—two of which are here with us today,” Jimoh added.
Recovered items include a pump-action gun, an English-made pistol with erased serial numbers, live cartridges, and charms allegedly used for spiritual protection.
Jimoh assured Lagos residents that the police remain committed to maintaining security and tackling criminal activity across the state.
“We are on top of our game in crime prevention, control, and detection. Lagos is safe, and we will continue to ensure that criminals are arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
He urged residents to report suspicious individuals or movements in their neighbourhoods.
“Criminals are not spirits; they live among us. If you see strange persons without a clear source of livelihood or who move around at odd hours, report to the police immediately,” he said.
The commissioner also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing logistics and tactical support that enhanced policing in Lagos, and expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continuous collaboration on security matters.
“Lagos is not a place criminals can operate freely and go unarrested. Any gang that raises its head here will be caught and face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
One of the victims, a motorist whose stolen car was among those recovered, narrated how he was attacked on September 7 around 9:15 p.m. while making a quick stop to buy an item.
“A man suddenly banged on my car window with a gun and ordered me to unlock the door. Another joined him, and they took my phones, jewellery, and car before fleeing. I was lucky to escape unharmed,” the victim said.
He commended the police, particularly the Anti-Robbery and Anti-Kidnapping Squad, for swiftly recovering his car and apprehending one of the suspects in Edo State.
