The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious criminal syndicate accused of disguising as security operatives to gain access into residential estates and vandalise luxury vehicles across the metropolis.
The suspects met their Waterloo after a successful theft and were about taking the vehicle parts to their criminal receiver.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, at a press conference yesterday in his office, said police detectives apprehended the suspects during an operation in the early hours of March 25, 2026.
According to him , the suspects: Obinna Okeke, 27; Emmanuel Anyanwu, 38; and Joshua Nkemdirim, 31, were arrested at about 4:00 a.m. following intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the command.
Jimoh explained that the trio allegedly belong to a criminal syndicate notorious for disguising as security operatives by wearing fake security uniforms and carrying a modified Mercedes car jack designed to resemble a firearm. The tactic, he said, enabled them to gain access into various estates across Lagos.
“Investigations revealed that the suspects targeted high-end vehicles parked within residential estates, particularly Toyota and luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
“The gang specialised in vandalising vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus LX 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs.
“The suspects focused on removing expensive automobile components including vehicle brain boxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, control devices, tapping glasses and other valuable parts which were later sold.
“Items recovered from the suspects include: several vehicle brain boxes and the modified Mercedes-Benz car jack used to intimidate security personnel. The police recovered other parts .
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate involved in the vandalism of vehicles within Lagos and surrounding areas.
‘The suspects are currently assisting detectives with ongoing investigations, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang still at large.”
He said the criminal receivers of car parts will be traced to the particular markets where they trade.
He also urged residents, estate managers, and private security guards to remain vigilant and verify the identity of individuals claiming to be security operatives before granting them access into residential premises.
Jimoh assured the public that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
