Police bust robbers using fake uniforms to rob Lagos estates

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly using fake security uniforms and imitation firearms to gain access to residential estates and vandalise vehicles in the state.

The suspects — Obinna Okeke (27), Emmanuel Anyanwu (38) and Joshua Nkemdirim (31) — were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday during a coordinated operation by police detectives.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the command’s spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed that the suspects specialised in disguising themselves as security operatives to deceive residents and on-duty guards.

According to him, the gang allegedly wore fake security uniforms and used a modified Mercedes car jack designed to resemble a firearm to gain entry into estates 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 said.

“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,” it added.

The command noted that items recovered from the suspects include vehicle brain boxes and the modified car jack used in their operations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Jimoh urged estate managers and residents to remain vigilant, particularly when individuals present themselves as security personnel seeking access to gated communities.

He advised that identities should be properly verified through the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area before granting access, adding that suspicious persons should be reported to the nearest police station.

“In cases of doubt, such individuals should be referred to the nearest police division,” he said, encouraging residents to make use of the command’s emergency lines for prompt response.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State.

PUNCH