The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate accused of vandalising luxury vehicles across estates in the state.
The suspects — Obinna Okeke, 27; Emmanuel Anyanwu, 38; and Joshua Nkemdirim, 31 — were arrested in the early hours of March 25, 2026, following an operation by detectives of the command.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, the suspects allegedly specialised in disguising as security operatives to gain access into residential estates across the Lagos metropolis.
According to the police, the gang reportedly wore fake security uniforms and used a modified Mercedes car jack designed to resemble firearms to intimidate estate security guards and residents before gaining entry.
Once inside the estates, the suspects targeted vehicles including Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650 SUVs, Mercedes-Benz and other luxury vehicles.
Police said the gang focused on removing valuable components such as brain boxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, tapping glasses, control devices and other expensive car parts.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime and admitted to being members of a criminal syndicate involved in vandalising vehicles within Lagos and its surrounding areas.
Items recovered from them include stolen vehicle components and the modified Mercedes-Benz jack allegedly used to impersonate firearms.
The suspects are currently assisting police detectives with further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
The Lagos State Police Command advised residents and estate managers to remain vigilant when individuals claim to be security operatives seeking access into estates.
The command urged estate security personnel to verify such claims by contacting the Divisional Police Officer covering their area before granting access.
Residents were also encouraged to report suspicious individuals to the nearest police station.
The police commissioner further urged the public to make use of the command’s emergency numbers — 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264 and 08039344870 — for quick intervention.
He assured that cooperation between residents and the police would help strengthen security across Lagos communities.
