Police arrest three over vandalism of luxury vehicles in Lagos estates

2026-03-25 - 16:53

By Esther Onyegbula The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for vandalising exotic vehicles across estates in the state by posing as security operatives. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday at the state Police Command. According to CP Jimoh, the suspects were apprehended at about 4:00 a.m. on March 25, 2026, following a coordinated police operation. ” The suspects, Obinna Okeke, 27; Emmanuel Anyanwu, 38; and Joshua Nkemdirim, 3, belong to a “vicious and notorious” gang that specialises in disguising themselves as security personnel using fake uniforms to gain access into residential estates within the Lagos metropolis.” Explaining further, he said: “The syndicate deploys a deceptive method involving a Mercedes-Benz car jack modified to resemble firearms, which they allegedly use to intimidate security guards and residents while gaining entry into estates.” “The gang has used this guise to infiltrate estates and vandalise vehicles, particularly Toyota brands such as Hilux and Highlander, Lexus 650 Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs,” the statement read. Police investigations revealed that the suspects focus on removing valuable vehicle components, including brain boxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, control devices, glass fittings, and other expensive parts. Items recovered from the suspects include vehicle brain boxes and the modified Mercedes-Benz jack, among other exhibits. The police Boss said the suspects have confessed to the crimes and are currently assisting detectives in ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending other members of the syndicate and ensuring their prosecution. “The suspects corroborated the allegations during interrogation and admitted to being part of a criminal network involved in vehicle vandalism within Lagos State and its environs,” the police added. The Commissioner of Police urged residents, estate managers, and private security personnel to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly when individuals present themselves as security agency operatives. He advised that proper verification should be carried out before granting access to such persons and encouraged residents to liaise with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), in their respective areas to confirm the identity of any security personnel seeking entry. “Where there is any doubt, such individuals should be referred to the nearest police division immediately,” Jimoh said. He further called on the public to utilise the Command’s emergency lines — 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, and 08039344870, for prompt police intervention. Jimoh reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that sustained vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting would enhance security across communities in the state. Vanguard News