The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers linked to a series of high-value robberies across multiple states, including the theft of five vehicles and valuables estimated at N50 million. The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which acted on reliable intelligence. Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani confirmed the arrests during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday. The suspects, aged between 26 and 31, are also accused of robbing a prominent traditional ruler in Ondo State.
According to Tijani, operatives tracked and arrested the suspects at various locations within Lagos. Preliminary investigations reveal that the group carried out robbery operations on August 23 and September 30 along the Ife Expressway in Osun State. During these attacks, five vehicles were reportedly snatched, and valuables worth approximately N50 million were stolen. One of the recovered vehicles is a Toyota van with registration number BDJ 180 AJ, registered in Oyo State. The commissioner emphasized that the suspects have made confessional statements and are cooperating with police efforts to recover more stolen property, identify other gang members, and retrieve weapons used in the crimes.
One of the suspects, a 32-year-old ex-convict, admitted during interrogation that he joined the gang seeking funds to start a business. He claimed he had previously worked in the sale of machine spare parts and spent time in prison. He revealed that the gang stole a bag containing money belonging to the traditional ruler after noticing his vehicle parked by the roadside. According to him, a fellow gang member took him to the location while returning from an earlier robbery. The suspect said the king’s bag was placed inside their vehicle and transported to Lagos, where he was later dropped off. He stated he was unaware the bag was in the vehicle until informed by police. “I did not know that such a thing was inside the motor. It was when the police told me that I discovered that the king’s money was inside,” he said.
The suspect expressed regret over his actions and vowed never to return to crime. “I will not try this thing again in my life. I just did it because I was looking for a little money to start a business,” he added. Police continue to investigate the full scope of the suspects’ criminal activities, including recovering additional weapons and identifying any accomplices. The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat armed robbery and restore public confidence in safety across Nigeria. This case highlights the persistent threat of cross-state criminal networks and the importance of intelligence-led policing in dismantling them.
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