Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended three men suspected of posing as security officers and using imitation firearms to gain access to residential estates and vandalise vehicles.
The suspects — Obinna Okeke, Emmanuel Anyanwu, and Joshua Nkemdirim — were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday during a coordinated operation by police detectives.
In a statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, said the suspects specialized in disguising themselves as security personnel to deceive estate residents and on-duty guards.
According to Jimoh, the gang wore fake security uniforms and used a modified Mercedes car jack, designed to resemble a firearm, to gain entry into gated communities before carrying out their operations.
“This gang has used this guise to enter into some estates and vandalise Toyota brand vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650 Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs,” the statement read.
“The suspects concentrate on the removal of brain boxes, wiring, side mirrors, tapping glasses, control devices and other expensive car components. The suspects arrested have corroborated the crime and are assisting detectives in ongoing investigations,” he added.
Recovered items include vehicle brain boxes and the modified car jack used in their criminal activities, while police continue efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
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Jimoh urged estate managers and residents to remain vigilant when individuals present themselves as security operatives. He advised verifying identities through the Divisional Police Officer in charge before granting access and reporting any suspicious persons to the nearest police station.
“In cases of doubt, such individuals should be referred to the nearest police division,” he said, urging residents to use the command’s emergency lines for prompt response.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.