Lagos police operatives have arrested two dismissed soldiers and four others, allegedly part of a notorious armed robbery and car theft gang.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, presented the suspects and the recovered exhibits to journalists on Tuesday. He stated that the two ex-soldiers were part of a gang specializing in carjacking at gunpoint across various parts of the state and then selling the stolen vehicles within Lagos.
“The dismissed soldiers carried out their robberies wearing full military uniform. Our investigation so far revealed that the gang has snatched a total of 13 cars, two of which have been recovered. We also seized military uniforms and identity cards with various ranks, including Lieutenant Colonel,” Hundeyin reported.
The suspects were apprehended by the Command’s tactical team based in Surulere after a month-long investigation. Three of the suspects were arrested in Lagos, one in Ilorin, and two stolen vehicles were recovered.
Hundeyin noted, “They have been operating for quite a while. Two of the gang members are dismissed soldiers, one dismissed in 2014 and the other in 2017.”
Another suspect, employed as a driver, was arrested for stealing his employer’s car on the day he was hired. The suspect took the stolen car to church for a dedication and thanksgiving service the following Sunday before his arrest. The police spokesperson criticized the employer for not conducting a thorough background check before hiring the driver.
Additionally, a sixth suspect, who claimed to be an automobile mechanic, was arrested for allegedly stealing and selling cars given to him for repairs. The buyer of the stolen cars was also detained. The mechanic had told the buyer that the cars were brought from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Hundeyin said all suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation, and efforts were ongoing to recover other stolen vehicles.
(NAN)