Lagos Police dismantle car snatching syndicate, arrest suspects, recover stolen vehicles, arms, and charms after operations across Lagos, Oyo, and Edo states.
The Lagos Police Dismantle Car Snatching Syndicate in a major breakthrough against armed robbery networks operating across Lagos and neighbouring states.
The successful operation led to the arrest of three suspects, recovery of five stolen vehicles, several firearms, and fetish charms used during their criminal operations.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this to journalists during a press briefing held at the syndicate’s hideout in the Igando area on Friday.
He described the operation as a significant stride in the ongoing campaign to ensure safety and restore public confidence in the command.
According to Jimoh, the Lagos Police Dismantle Car Snatching Syndicate after weeks of covert intelligence, surveillance, and coordinated raids conducted by the Anti-Robbery and Anti-Kidnapping squads.
“This is another major success for our command. The syndicate had been operating across multiple states, posing as passengers to dispossess drivers of their vehicles and valuables,” he said.
Explaining their modus operandi, Jimoh said the suspects usually posed as passengers before attacking their victims during transit. Once inside the vehicle, they would threaten the driver with firearms, seize control of the car, and escape.
“The gang specialised in pretending to be genuine passengers. They would board vehicles, and as the trip progressed, they turned violent—snatching the car and fleeing,” Jimoh said.
He added that the syndicate used a residential building in Igando as a hideout and planning base for their operations, which extended beyond Lagos to states such as Oyo and Edo.
Jimoh revealed that the police recovered five vehicles linked to the syndicate, with two displayed during the briefing.
Also seized were a pump-action gun, an English-made pistol with erased serial numbers, live ammunition, and fetish charms believed to protect the suspects during robberies.
He noted that the breakthrough followed an investigation into a robbery incident in the Lekki-Ajah area.
“That single case opened the trail that exposed their wider operations. Our intelligence-led policing helped us uncover the syndicate’s full network,” he explained.
The police commissioner used the occasion to warn motorists—especially professionals and civil servants—against carrying unknown passengers to offset fuel costs.
“It’s extremely risky,” he cautioned.
“If you can’t afford fuel, it’s better to park your car. Many of these criminals take advantage of such gestures to strike. No amount of money is worth your life.”
Jimoh stressed that such incidents often occur at night or in secluded areas where criminals can easily overpower unsuspecting drivers.
Reiterating his commitment to securing the state, Jimoh assured residents that Lagos remains safe and under tight security control.
“We are on top of our game in terms of crime prevention, control, and detection. Lagos is secure, and criminals have no hiding place here,” he affirmed.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing logistics, tactical support, and operational vehicles that have strengthened policing efforts.
Jimoh also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued partnership with the security agencies through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
“Our success today is a product of collaboration between the police, government, and the good people of Lagos,” he noted.
The commissioner appealed to residents to be vigilant and to promptly report suspicious individuals or movements within their neighbourhoods.
“Criminals are not spirits; they live among us. If you notice anyone without a clear means of livelihood or moving around at odd hours, report immediately,” he said.
He emphasized that community cooperation remains key to crime prevention in Lagos. “Security is everyone’s responsibility. The police cannot do it alone,” he added.
During the police briefing, one of the victims of the syndicate shared his harrowing experience.
The victim, a private car owner, recounted how he was attacked around 9:15 p.m. on September 7 in the Egbeda area.
“I had just parked to buy something when a man banged on my window and pointed a pump-action gun at me. Another armed man appeared and ordered me to surrender my phone, cash, and jewellery before they fled with my car,” he narrated.
The victim said he narrowly escaped unhurt after being forced to face the wall. “I thought my life was over,” he said, visibly emotional.
He, however, expressed gratitude to the police for recovering his vehicle in Edo State and arresting one of the suspects.
“I thank the Anti-Robbery and Anti-Kidnapping teams for their swift action. They restored my faith in justice,” he added.
Concluding the briefing, Jimoh warned criminal elements to stay away from Lagos.
“Let it be clear that Lagos Police Dismantle Car Snatching Syndicate, and we will continue to dismantle any criminal network that attempts to thrive here. Lagos is not a safe haven for crime,” he declared.
He reaffirmed that the command will not relent until all members of the syndicate are captured and prosecuted.
“We will continue to work round the clock to ensure that every criminal activity is detected early, and offenders are brought to justice,” he added.
Jimoh’s message was firm: “If you are a criminal, Lagos is not the place for you. We will find you, arrest you, and ensure you face the full weight of the law.”
The success recorded by the Lagos State Police Command demonstrates the efficiency of intelligence-led policing and the renewed determination of security agencies to restore law and order.
The Lagos Police Dismantle Car Snatching Syndicate serves as proof that crime has no hiding place under vigilant, proactive security leadership.
As the command continues its clampdown on criminal networks, residents are advised to remain watchful, cooperate with the police, and contribute to making Lagos safer for all.
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