Recovered Vehicles
By Olamilekan Abayomi
The Lagos State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime with the arrest of a notorious car-snatching and armed robbery syndicate. The suspects, identified as Taiwo Alabi, 42, Ogedengbe Lowis, 46, Ighodalo Enato Francis, 37, and Osaro Eghe Abiodun, 34, were apprehended after weeks of coordinated surveillance and intelligence gathering.
According to the police, the suspects disguised themselves as passengers and boarded commercial vehicles, where they would rob unsuspecting drivers of their vehicles at gunpoint. The gang’s modus operandi involved targeting private drivers, and their victims were often left traumatized after being dispossessed of their valuables.
The police recovered several exhibits from the suspects, including one automatic pump-action shotgun, one Beretta pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 46 live cartridges, a cutlass, and assorted charms. Additionally, the police recovered four stolen vehicles, including one Toyota Sienna, two Lexus ES350 saloon cars, and one Toyota Corolla.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, revealed that the suspects had confessed to multiple armed robbery and car-snatching incidents across Lagos and other Southwest states. Jimoh commended the tactical squads for their efforts and reassured Lagos residents of the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing.
The police command cautioned private car owners, especially civil servants and professionals, against carrying unknown passengers for a fee to offset fuel costs, warning that such practices often expose them to danger. Jimoh emphasized that the command remains fully committed to ensuring peace and safety in Lagos through intelligence-driven policing.
The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. The Lagos State Police Command’s successful operation demonstrates the efficiency of intelligence-led policing and the renewed determination of security agencies to restore law and order.
