The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of six individuals, including two ex-soldiers, on charges of armed robbery and car theft.
According to SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, the suspects were apprehended following thorough investigations by the robbery tactical team in Surulere.
The former soldiers were identified as members of a criminal gang notorious for forcefully taking vehicles from motorists in Lagos and selling them within the state.
Over the course of a month, the police arrested three suspects in Lagos State and one in Ilorin, recovering two stolen vehicles in the process.
“They have been operating quite a while before their arrest. They are four in number, two are dismissed soldiers. One was dismissed in 2014, and the other in 2017.
“They carried out their crime wearing full military uniform. Our investigation so far revealed that the gang has snatched a total of 13 cars, two have been recovered. We also recovered the military uniform and military Identity cards with various ranks, including lieutenant colonel,” he said.
Hundeyin said another suspect, a driver, was also arrested for allegedly stealing his boss’ car the day he was employed.
He said the suspect went to the church the following Sunday with the stolen car for dedication and thanksgiving before his arrest.
The spokesperson, however, blamed his employer for not carrying out a due diligence investigation before securing the driver’s service.
The image maker said the sixth suspect, who claimed to be an automobile mechanic, was arrested for allegedly stealing and selling off cars given to him for repairs.
Hundeyin said the buyer of the stolen cars from the mechanic was also arrested.
He said the mechanic claimed he told the buyer that he brought the cars from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The spokesperson said all the suspects would be charged to court upon completing the investigation, adding that operatives were on the train of other cars stolen for recovery.
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