Lagos Police Arrest 3 Gang Members Disguised as Security Operatives for Car Vandalism in Estates
The Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended three members of a notorious criminal syndicate that specialized in vandalizing and stealing parts from luxury vehicles within highbrow residential estates across Lagos. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, March 24, inside a prominent estate located in Lekki, following a coordinated police operation.
Details of the Arrest and Suspects
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh announced the arrest during a press briefing held in Ikeja on Wednesday, March 25. The suspects have been identified as Obinna Okeke, aged 27; Emmanuel Anyanwu, aged 38; and Joshua Nkemdirim, aged 31. According to CP Jimoh, the gang operated by disguising themselves as security personnel, wearing fake uniforms and using a modified Mercedes car jack that resembled a firearm to gain unauthorized access into estates under the pretense of conducting investigations.
How the Gang Operated
The criminal syndicate targeted high-end vehicles, particularly Toyota models such as the Hilux and Highlander, as well as Lexus 650 Jeeps, Mercedes-Benz SUVs, and other luxury SUVs. Their modus operandi involved removing expensive car components, including brainboxes, tapping glasses, control devices, wiring, and side mirrors. CP Jimoh emphasized that the gang had exploited this guise to infiltrate multiple estates, causing significant property damage and financial losses to residents.
Confessions and Recovered Items
During the investigation, the arrested suspects confessed to their involvement in the crimes and are currently assisting police detectives with further inquiries. Items recovered from the suspects include a Mercedes-Benz car jack and a face cap inscribed with "Special Force," which they used to impersonate security operatives. CP Jimoh noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
This arrest follows a previous operation in September 2025, where the suspected leader of the gang, Jude Onouha, aged 46, was taken into custody. Onouha corroborated his involvement and has been aiding detectives in the ongoing investigations. CP Jimoh, who is set to leave his position as Lagos CP after a promotion to Assistant Inspector-General and deployment to Zone 2, highlighted the importance of this crackdown in enhancing public safety.
Security Advisory for Estate Managers and Residents
In light of these incidents, CP Jimoh issued a stern advisory to residents, estate managers, and security guards across Lagos. He urged them to exercise heightened vigilance and caution when individuals claim to be security operatives seeking entry into estates. Key recommendations include:
- Conducting thorough verification of any person(s) representing themselves as security agency operatives.
- Collaborating closely with the Police by contacting the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) covering their area to confirm the authenticity of such personnel before granting access.
- Immediately referring any suspicious individuals to the nearest police division if doubts arise.
CP Jimoh also encouraged estate management to partner with the police command for training private security guards and provided emergency contact numbers for quick intervention: 08063299264, 09053872208, and 08087332678. He reiterated the command's commitment to working with communities to prevent similar crimes and ensure a secure environment for all residents.
