The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended three suspected members of a criminal syndicate accused of vandalising vehicles in residential estates.

The suspects were alleged to have disguised as security operatives in a bid to gain access into residential estates to vandalise vehicles.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, confirmed this while briefing journalists at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday.

He said that the suspects were apprehended by detectives of the command at about 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, following an intelligence-led operations targeting the group’s activities across the metropolis.

According to him, the syndicate specialises in wearing fake security uniforms and using a modified Mercedes car jack designed to resemble a firearm, in order to deceive estate security and residents.

The police boss said that investigations revealed that the group had used the tactic to infiltrate several estates, where they vandalised vehicles.

“They vandalised vehicles particularly high-end models such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 650, and Mercedes-Benz and other SUVs

“The suspects focused on removing valuable components including brain boxes, wiring systems, side mirrors, control devices, and other expensive parts, ” he said.

The commissioner said that items recovered from the suspects included: stolen vehicle components and the modified car jack used in their operations.

Jimoh said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a wider criminal network, involved in vehicle vandalism across Lagos and its environs.

He said that the suspects were cooperating with investigators, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, so as to bring them to justice.

The CP urged residents and estate managers to remain vigilant and exercise caution when individuals present themselves as security personnel seeking entry into estates.

He urged that proper verification be carried out adding that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) should be contacted to confirm the identities of any operative before granting access.

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police division.

The Commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property.

He urged the public to make use of emergency lines for prompt response, stressing that collective vigilance and timely reporting remains critical to strengthening security across Lagos.

“Make use of the command’s emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, and 08039344870
for quick intervention,” he said. (NAN)