By Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Operatives of the Lagos Police Command have made significant breakthroughs in tackling traffic robbery, arresting 23 suspected criminals, including 13 involved in “one chance” scams. The police also recovered 25 stolen vehicles, reportedly stolen, unlawfully removed from parks, converted, or smuggled.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh disclosed this at a press briefing, attributing the success to well-coordinated efforts of the Command. “The achievement didn’t come by chance,” Jimoh emphasized, adding that activities have yielded positive results.
Explaining the gang’s tactics, Jimoh said, “They’re a double-edged sword. They deploy vehicles across Lagos to pick unsuspecting members of the public, take them to shrines, make them swear oaths, and deceive them about investments. If you play along, they’ll take your belongings and let you go, but if you’re smart, they’ll claim you’ve been kidnapped and demand ransom.”
The police dismantled the gang, arresting eight additional suspects and recovering four operational vehicles. Recovered items include fetish charms, dangerous weapons, fake currencies (21 bundles of fake US dollars, 12 bundles of suspected fake Euros), and vehicles: two Toyota Corollas (AKD 917 JH, FST 758 JZ) and a Toyota Camry (BDG 843 FB).
Jimoh urged the public to be security-conscious: “Ask where the vehicle is going, don’t let them ask where you’re going.” The suspects will be investigated and prosecuted for crimes including conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping.