Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested suspected members of a notorious car-snatching syndicate and recovered five stolen vehicles in a major breakthrough against vehicle theft and robbery in the state.
The arrests followed a report of a stolen Toyota Camry 2008 model, which prompted the police to launch an intelligence-driven investigation.
According to the Command, the stolen vehicle was recovered while it was being re-registered, leading investigators to uncover a criminal network allegedly involved in stealing and trafficking vehicles across states.
Police investigations revealed that the syndicate operated mainly within Lagos State while concealing and disposing of stolen vehicles in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Ilorin, Kwara State. Acting on intelligence, operatives tracked and arrested one Segun Olawuwo, 58, in Ibadan, where another suspected stolen Toyota Corolla 2008 model was recovered.
Further interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of two additional syndicate members identified as Femi Afolabi, 53, and Sunday Ugbomudia, 53, in Ilorin, Kwara State. During the operation, police recovered a Toyota Camry 2008 model and a Toyota Corolla 2006 model, both suspected to have been stolen.
Investigators also recovered another stolen Toyota Camry 2012 model which had allegedly been sold to an unsuspecting buyer in Ibadan. The suspects reportedly confessed to participating in several car-snatching and robbery operations within and outside Lagos State, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
