The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a vehicle vandalism syndicate allegedly operating across the state for about 10 years.
The suspects were identified as 46-year-old Uba Chigozie and 37-year-old Onyeka Emordi. They were arrested by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command under the supervision of CSP Sunday Cirman.
According to police sources, the syndicate allegedly specialised in vandalising Toyota vehicles, particularly Corolla, Sienna and Hilux models. Their preferred targets were vehicles parked along roadsides or those that had broken down.
The suspects allegedly removed valuable vehicle components, including brain boxes, push-button machines, pigeon holes and air-conditioning vents, which were subsequently sold to buyers of stolen vehicle parts.
Police sources said the gang could strip a vehicle of valuable parts in about 10 minutes, with members allegedly earning as much as ₦100,000 from some operations.
Chigozie, a former spare-parts dealer, reportedly told investigators that he became involved in the crime after his shop at the Papa Ajao Auto Spare Parts Market was demolished and he experienced financial difficulties.
Emordi, meanwhile, allegedly said he joined the syndicate in 2022 after losing his job as a casual driver at a flour mill in Lagos. He reportedly identified Toyota Sienna, Corolla and Hilux vehicles as the gang’s main targets.
The suspects also allegedly used an improvised Mercedes-Benz jack designed to resemble a firearm to intimidate people who confronted them during their operations. Police said the gang members did not actually carry firearms.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests and said the command was pursuing other suspected members of the syndicate.
Adebisi warned criminals operating in Lagos to desist from criminal activities, while assuring residents that the command would continue its efforts to tackle crime across the state.
The police investigation is expected to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and identify other individuals allegedly involved in the vandalism and sale of stolen vehicle components.